Therapeutic Use Exemptions (Tue)
What Is A Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)?
Athletes may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take medications or undergo procedures. If the medication or method an athlete is required to use to treat an illness or condition is prohibited as per the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List, a TUE may give that athlete the authorization to use that substance or method while competing without invoking an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) and applicable sanction. Applications for TUEs are evaluated by a panel of physicians, the TUE Committee (TUEC).
What are the Criteria for Granting a TUE?
All of the four following criteria must be met (for more details, please refer to the WADA International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE) Article 4.2):
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The athlete has a clear diagnosed medical condition which requires treatment using a prohibited substance or method.
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The therapeutic use of the substance will not, on the balance of probabilities, produce significant enhancement of performance beyond the athlete’s normal state of health.
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The prohibited substance or method is an indicated treatment for the medical condition, and there is no reasonable permitted therapeutic alternative.
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The necessity to use that substance or method is not a consequence of the prior use (without a TUE), of a substance or method which was prohibited at the time of use.
Who Should Apply for a TUE? Where and When to Apply?
Athletes who are subject to anti-doping rules would need a TUE to take a prohibited substance or use a prohibited method. You should verify with WAKO to know to whom you need to apply and if you can apply retroactively.
First, check if the required medication or method you intend to take or use is prohibited as per the WADA Prohibited List. You may also use a ‘check your medication’ online tool or ask your NADO if it has one.
You have a responsibility to inform your physician(s) that you are an Athlete bound to anti-doping rules. You and your physician(s) should check the Prohibited List for the substance/method you are prescribed. If the substance/method is prohibited, discuss non-prohibited alternatives. If there are none, apply for a TUE. Remember, Athletes have the ultimate responsibility. Contact your NADO or WAKO if you are having difficulties.
Then, contact WAKO Antidoping Officer at gianlorenzo.daniele@yahoo.it to determine your competition level and TUE application requirements.
If It Is Determined That You Are an International-Level Athlete:
WAKO Definition of International-Level Athlete is as follows:
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An Athlete who is National Champion in that given year and subsequent years where he/she is the official national Champion as recognized by the WAKO National Governing Body.
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An Athlete who has competed in a WAKO World Cup, or A/B class event in the last two years as defined in the WAKO Calendar.
You must apply to WAKO in advance, as soon as the need arises, unless there are emergency or exceptional circumstances.
For substances prohibited in-competition only, you should apply for a TUE at least 30 days before your next competition unless one of the exceptions on retroactive TUEs (see below) applies.
If You Already Have a TUE Granted by Your National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO):
National-level athletes must apply for a TUE to the NADO of their home country. WAKO will automatically recognize any TUE granted by any NADO declared compliant by WADA, in accordance with Article 7.1 (a) of the World Anti-Doping Code.
Can I Get a Retroactive TUE?
You may only apply retroactively for a TUE to WAKO if:
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You required emergency or urgent treatment of a medical condition.
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There was insufficient time, opportunity, or other exceptional circumstances that prevented you from submitting the TUE application, or having it evaluated, before getting tested.
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You are a lower-level athlete who is not under the jurisdiction of WAKO or NADO and were tested.
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You tested positive after using a substance Out-of-Competition that is only prohibited In-Competition (e.g., glucocorticoids).
How to Apply to WAKO for a TUE?
WAKO encourages submitting TUE applications via ADAMS, together with the required medical information. If you do not have an ADAMS account yet, please contact gianlorenzo.daniele@yahoo.it to have it set up.
What Happens at Major Events?
A Major Event Organization (MEO) requires athletes to apply for the recognition of their TUE if they wish to use a prohibited substance or method in connection with the Event.
Will My Medical Information Be Treated in a Confidential Manner?
All the information contained in a TUE application, including the supporting medical information and any other information related to the evaluation of your TUE request, is kept strictly confidential and treated in accordance with the Athlete’s Declaration contained in the ADAMS TUE process and the WAKO TUE Application Form.
Contact Information
For any further information and questions in relation to WAKO’s personal information practices, please contact WAKO’s Data Protection Officer at v.cocca@crclex.com.
If you have doubts about which organization you should apply for a TUE or the recognition process, or any other questions about TUEs, please contact WAKO Antidoping Officer at gianlorenzo.daniele@yahoo.it.
