Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)
A TUE is a certificate granted by an anti-doping organization (IJF for international-level athletes, National Anti-doping Organizations for national-level athletes and Major Event Organizers for athletes participating in an MEO event, eg. the IOC for the Olympic Games). The certificate is for a set prohibited substance, in certain dosage, with a limited period of validity. An application for a TUE must be based on a documented medical condition and diagnosis and the TUE will only be granted under strict criteria laid out in the International Standard of TUE.
International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemption (ISTUE)
Athletes must absolutely avoid taking a medication with a prohibited substance without a valid TUE.
The presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers in an athlete's sample without a valid TUE is an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV), as are the use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method, possession, administration or attempted administration.
Athletes must therefore consult the Prohibited List with their prescribing physician before taking a medication to ensure that no prohibited substance is contained in the medication needed.
An International-Level Athlete whose illness or condition requires treatment with a prohibited substance or method must apply to the ITA TUE Commission for a TUE following the TUE application process.
Which athletes are considered to be 'International-Level Athletes'?
According to the Scope of the IJF Anti-doping Rules, the following athletes are considered to be International-Level Athletes:
a) Athletes who compete in any IJF Event; and b) All Athletes included in the IJF Registered Testing Pool
How to apply for a TUE?
To apply for a TUE, please, download the application form and fill it in either by handwriting or typing. Please, make sure that your handwriting is legible (anyone can read it without any problem). IJF takes no responsibility for bad handwriting or mistypes.
When to apply for a TUE?
You have to apply at least 30 days before the competition you are about to attend.
I have a TUE from my National Anti-doping Organisation. Is it valid for an IJF event?
National TUEs are automatically valid for international events. All national TUEs must be filed in ADAMS. The IJF has the right to review and reject any national TUEs if they don't fulfill the ISTUE requirements.
What if my application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal to CAS within 21 days of the rejection.
Each TUE application will be carefully evaluated by the ITA Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee and will only be granted in accordance with the International Standard for TUEs and the criteria laid out in article 4 of this standard.
If the TUE is granted, the athlete will then be permitted to use the medication during the period of validity of the TUE without committing an Anti-Doping Rules Violation (ADRV).
Regardless of whether a TUE has been granted or not, athletes should always declare on the doping control forms, filled out during sample collection, any medications and supplements taken within the seven days prior to sample collection, and any blood transfusions in the three months prior for blood samples.
WADA's role in the TUE process is two-fold. First, the Agency, through its TUEC, has the right to monitor and review any TUE granted by an anti-doping organisation, like IJF and, following such review, to reverse any decision. Second, an athlete who submits a TUE application to an ADO (IJF or a National Anti-doping Organisation) and is denied a TUE, can ask WADA to review the decision. If WADA determines that denial of the TUE did not comply with the ISTUE, the Agency can reverse the decision. WADA itself does not accept TUE applications from athletes.
Any athletes wishing to participate in an IJF Event have to apply for a TUE or the recognition of their existing TUE to the IJF TUE Commission.
list of NADOs - for national TUE applications