Therapeutic Use Exemptions

Below you'll find the steps that need to be followed if an athlete needs a Therapeutic Use Exemption.

Remember, what level an athlete is determined to be is important because it dictates when they should apply for a TUE.  Find out more about the different levels of athletes here.

1.    The athlete has a medical complaint and is told they need a specific medication

2.    The status of the medication should be checked by:

  • using Drug Free Sport NZ’s medications check  
  • calling Drug Free Sport NZ 0800 DRUGFREE (378437)

3.    If the substance is prohibited, 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) before the medication is taken if you're a national or international level athlete.

5.    A TUE application can downloaded here or call Drug Free Sport NZ 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.

Drug Free Sport 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

Find out more