International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions
The purpose of the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE) is to ensure that the process of granting TUEs is harmonized across sports and countries.
The 2010 ISTUE, which went into force on January 1, 2010, is the result of a revision process led by World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) in direct consultation with stakeholders in addition to related comments from the World Anti-Doping Code revision process.
Athletes, like all others, may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take particular medications. It the medication an athlete is required to take to treat an illness or condition happens to fall under the Prohibited List, a Therapeutic Use Exemption may give that athlete the authorization to take the needed medicine.
In Sport, the term ‘strict liability’ in anti-doping matters essentially means that is the athletes responsibility to ensure that anything he/she puts into his/her body is not breach of anti-doping regulations. Therefore, athletes taking medication must ensure that the substance in the medication is not listed on the Prohibited List or in breach of the relevant International Federations (IF) anti-doping rules.
Please note that athletes are advised to treat the matter of TUEs very seriously and in all instances seek expert advice. Using a prohibited substance or prohibited method before a TUE Approval is similar to using a prohibited substance or method without authorization and this could constitute an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV).
Please find below information that may be able to assist an athlete and/or IWAS Member Organization surrounding the Therapeutic Use Exemption Process.
- Applying for a TUE
- Where to send TUEs
The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) has a variety of information available on their website, specifically for athletes.
IWAS Position Statement on the Use of Catheters
IWAS considers the catheter used by an athlete with need for self-catheterization as ‘personal equipment’. Athletes might react adversely to different brands and models, potentially leading to infections and/or allergic reactions. Athletes therefore mainly use one particular type of catheter.
Within this perspective, and giving absolute priority to the athlete’s health, the catheter used is the responsibility of the athlete.
In particular cases, e.g. World Games, the Doping Control Stations may be equipped with a number of sealed sterile catheters; however this would never include all brands, sizes and/or materials. This must be regarded as a complimentary service offered to the athletes in such a particular competition.