Therapeutic Use Exemptions
Below you'll find the steps that need to be followed if an athlete needs a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).
Remember, what level an athlete is determined to be is important because it dictates when they should apply for a TUE.
1. The athlete has a medical complaint and is told they need a specific medication
2. The status of the medication should be checked:
- using DFSNZ's medications check
- calling DFSNZ 0800 DRUGFREE (378437)
3. If the substance is prohibited in sport, the medical professional should look at whether an alternative medication can be used.
4. If there’s no alternative, a TUE application must be completed (in emergency situations treatment may begin immediately). Some athletes will need to apply for a TUE and have it approved BEFORE taking the medication while other athletes only need to apply for a TUE if they return a positive test. For more information about what catergory you fall into, please click here
5. A TUE application can be downloaded here or call DFSNZ to check whether the athlete should apply to his or her International Federation
6. The application must be completed in full by a medical practitioner (preferably the prescribing doctor) and all relevant supporting documentation attached. (Note that most applications require specialist support)
7. Submit the application to:
- TUE@drugfreesport.org.nz
- Drug Free Sport NZ: Fax: +64 9 580 0381 or PO Box 17451, Greenlane, Auckland 1546
- the athlete’s International Federation if appropriate
8. The application will be reviewed
9. The athlete and medical professional will be told whether the application has been accepted or rejected. The athlete will be told of any conditions including the date of expiry and restrictions on the use of the medication.
DFSNZ endeavours to process TUE applications as quickly as possible and we aim for a five-day turn-around, but you should aim to get a TUE application in as soon as possible