Therapeutic Use Exemption

TUEs

Some athletes may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take medications or undergo procedures. If the medication or method an athlete is required to use to treat an illness or condition is prohibited as per the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List a TUE may give that athlete the authorization to use that substance or method while competing without invoking an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) and applicable sanction. Applications for TUEs are evaluated by a panel of physicians, the TUE Committee (TUE).

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What are the criteria for granting a TUE?

The athlete has a clear diagnosed medical condition which requires treatment using a prohibited substance or method.
The therapeutic use of the substance will not, on the balance of probabilities produce significant enhancement of performance beyond the athlete’s normal state of health.
The prohibited substance or method is an indicated treatment for the medical condition, and there is no reasonable permitted therapeutic alternative.
The necessity to use that substance or method is not a consequence of the prior use (without a TUE), of a substance or method which was prohibited at the time of use.

Who should apply for a TUE?

Athletes who are subject to anti-doping rules would need a TUE to take a prohibited substance or use a prohibited method should verify with Africa Zone 2 and 3 RADO to know to whom you need to apply and if you can apply retroactively.

First, check if the required medication or method you intend to take, or use is prohibited as per the WADA Prohibited List.

You have a responsibility to inform your physician(s) that you are an Athlete bound to anti-doping rules. You and your physician(s) should check the Prohibited List for the substance/method you are prescribed. If the substance/method is prohibited, discuss non-prohibited alternatives, if there are none, apply for a TUE. Remember Athletes have the ultimate responsibility. Contact Africa Zone 2 and 3 RADO if you are having difficulties.

Then, contact Africa Zone 2 and 3 RADO to determine your competition level and TUE application requirements.

National Level Athlete

If it is determined that you are an National Level Athlete you must apply to Africa Zone 2 and 3 in advance, as soon as the need arises, unless there are emergency or exceptional circumstances.

For substances prohibited in-competition only, you should apply for a TUE at least 30 days before your next competition, unless one of the exceptions on retroactive TUEs (see below) apply.

International Level Athlete

The TUEs granted by Africa Zone 2 and 3 are valid only at the national level. If you are or become an International Level Athlete, or participate in major competitions, that TUE will not be valid unless recognized by the relevant International Federation (IF) or Major Event Organization (MEO).

It is your responsibility to check if the TUE issued by Africa Zone 2 and 3 is automatically recognized by the IF or MEO.

Who is considered a National Level Athlete?

Athletes who are members or holders of a license of any National Federation in Africa Zone 2 and 3, or any other organization affiliated with it, including associations, clubs, teams or leagues.
Athletes who participate or compete in any Competition, Event or activity organized, recognized or sponsored by a National Federation, by any affiliated association, organization, club, team or league or by the government or a university in Africa Zone 2 and 3.
Any other Athlete who, by virtue of an accreditation, a license or any other contractual agreement, is subject to the authority of a National Federation in Africa Zone 2 and 3 or to any association, organization, club, team or league affiliated in Africa Zone 2 and 3 with in order to fight against doping in that country.
Athletes participating in any activity organized, recognized or sponsored by a National Event organizer or any other national league and not otherwise affiliated with a National Federation.

Can I get a retroactive TUE?

You may only apply retroactively for a TUE to Africa Zone 2 and 3 if:

You required emergency or urgent treatment of a medical condition.
There was insufficient time, opportunity or other exceptional circumstances that prevented you from submitting the TUE application, or having it evaluated, before getting tested.
You are a lower level athlete who is not under the jurisdiction of an IF or RADO and were tested.
You tested positive after using a substance Out-of-Competition that is only prohibited In-Competition (for example glucocorticoids).

In rare and exceptional circumstances and notwithstanding any other provision in the ISTUE, you may apply for and be granted retroactive approval for a therapeutic use of a prohibited substance or method, if considering the purpose of the Code, it would be manifestly unfair not to grant a retroactive TUE.

This unique retroactive TUE will only be granted with the prior approval of WADA (and WADA may in its absolute discretion agree with or reject with the Africa Zone 2 and 3 RADO’s decision).

Application process to obtain a TUE

There are two ways you can request your TUE. The recommended is through the ADAMS System, using your username and password. If you do not have them, you can request them at orad2et3@africa.rado-orad.org

The second way is through a form, following the instructions below:

Download the general TUE form by clicking on the button.

Ask your doctor to fill the TUE form, in Legible Capital Letters or typed, and send it along with your medical record to orad2et3@africa.rado-orad.org

Once a TUE is requested, a panel of experts selected by the Africa Zone 2 and 3 RADO will review your request and grant the TUE if: