What is a Therapeutic Use Exemption – TUE?

Athletes may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take particular medications or undergo procedures.  If the medication or method requires to treat the Athlete’s illness or condition is prohibited as per the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA ) Prohibited List a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) may give that athlete the authorisation to use that substance or method while competing without invoking an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) and applicable sanction.  

Important Note

Using a prohibited substance or method without a TUE may result in an Anti-Doping Rule Violation.

 Who should apply for a TUE and when to apply? -where and when?

As an athlete, you have a responsibility to inform your physician(s) that you are bound to anti-doping rules. You and your physician(s) should check the Prohibited List for whatever substance/method you are prescribed. If the substance/method is prohibited, discuss with your physician(s) the option of using non-prohibited alternatives. If there are none, apply for a TUE. Remember athletes have the ultimate responsibility for whatever substance enters their body.

What are the CRITERIA for granting a TUE?

1. The athlete has a diagnosed medical condition, which requires treatment using a prohibited substance or method;

2. The therapeutic use of the substance will not, on the balance of probabilities, produce any additional enhancement of performance beyond what might be anticipated by a return to the athlete’s normal state of health;

3. The prohibited substance or method is an indicated treatment for the medical condition, and there is no reasonable permitted therapeutic alternative;

4. The necessity to use that substance or method is not the consequence of the prior use (without a TUE), of a substance or method which was prohibited at the time of use.

Download the TUE application form here: