Therapeutic Use Exemptions

TUE permits an athlete to use a prohibited substance or method if the substance or method is medically required. Athletes can only get a TUE if there is no unfair advantage from taking the substance or using the method.

Criteria for determining whether a TUE is granted are defined by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

• The athlete would experience a significant impairment to their health without the use of the prohibited substance or method.
• The therapeutic use of the prohibited substance or prohibited method would produce no additional enhancement of performance.
• There is no reasonable therapeutic alternative to the use of the otherwise prohibited substance or prohibited method.

Athletes may be required to apply for pre-test TUE or they may be eligible for a post-test TUE. Please see below to determine which TUE applies to you.

International Federation Testing Pool Athlete (IF Athletes)

If you are an international federation athlete you will be notified in writing by your international federation that you are on the international federation registered testing pool. You will be required to submit a TUE to your international federation. Contact the Anti-Doping Officer from your NGB and they will be able to assist you with this process. If you have already received a TUE from your National Anti-doping Organisation you should submit this for approval.

Registered Tested Pool Athletes (RTP Athletes)

The RTP is a list of elite athletes, agreed between the NGB and Sport Ireland, who meet certain criteria (outlined below). Sport Ireland will notify in writing athletes that are included in the RTP. If you are a Sport Ireland RTP athlete you will require a pre-test TUE from Sport Ireland.

Non Registered Testing Pool Athletes (Non-RTP Athletes)

A non RTP athlete is an athlete who is not part of the Registered Testing Pool but still competes at a national and or international level and may be subject to a doping control in competition. Non RTP athletes are eligible to apply for a post-test TUE's. Therefore it is very important to keep up to date medical files and declare all medications on the doping control form.

Please note if you compete internationally at events organised by you international federation the event may require a pre-test TUE. The Anti-Doping Officer from your NGB will advise you if there is a requirement for a pre-test TUE.

National Testing Pool Athletes (NTP Athletes)

Athletes who are on teams in team sports including Senior Inter-County in GAA, Division 1A&B in Men's Rugby, Mens and Womens SuperLeague in Basketball and Senior Inter-County Camogie. Athletes who are on our national testing pool are eligible to apply for a post-test TUE. It is important to keep dating accurate medical files and declaring all medications on the doping control form when tested.

Downloads:

TUE Application Form 2018.pdf (size 222.4 KB)

Sport Ireland TUE Policy .pdf (size 281 KB)

If you have any queries regarding the TUE's please do not hesitate to contact us on antidoping@sportireland.ie