Overview
Athletes have the same right to health as anyone else. Some medical conditions require the use of a substance or a method that is on the WADA Prohibited List, and for this a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) is required. This page will help players and their support teams with navigating that process.
A TUE permits athletes to use the prohibited medication or method without committing an Anti-Doping Rule Violation - providing that all such use is in accordance with the conditions of the TUE. Use of a prohibited substance without a valid TUE is at the players’ own risk.
Who should apply for a TUE?
Players who are defined as International-Level Athletes (i.e., have competed in more than one ATP, ITF, WTA, or Grand Slam event) should apply for a TUE directly to the ITIA.
If International-Level Athletes have TUEs granted by their National Anti-Doping Agency (NADO), these TUEs are only valid for national events and not for ATP, ITF, WTA, or Grand Slam events.
Players in this situation should make a recognition application to the ITIA through the TUE Portal as soon as possible and prior to competing in a covered event.
Do I need a TUE?
Before applying for a TUE, players should consider whether their prescribed medication or method is on the Prohibited List. Here are some helpful resources:
How do I apply for a TUE?
All applications for TUEs must be made through the online TUE Portal.
TUEs are required for events covered by the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme: Events sanctioned by the ATP, WTA, ITF and the Grand Slams.
Applications for a TUE can only be made through the Tennis Anti-Doping Portal.
How do I apply to have my NADO TUE recognised?
If you are an International-Level Athlete requiring a TUE, you should apply directly to the ITIA.
If you apply to your NADO for a TUE, then that TUE must be recognised by the ITIA. Until this time, these TUEs are only valid for national events and not for ATP, ITF, WTA, or Grand Slam events.
To make a recognition application, visit the Portal. Select "TUEs" from the home screen and create a "Recognition" application.
From there, provide all of the relevant medical information you submitted to your NADO, alongside a copy of your application to your NADO, and the TUE certificate you received.
The application will be considered by the ITIA's independent Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee. A decision will be made as soon as possible, and will take no longer than 21 days.
For more guidance on applying for a TUE, check out our explainer videos below.
Retroactive TUEs
Retroactive TUEs may only be granted in exceptional circumstances where there was insufficient time or opportunity for an applicant to submit, or a TUE Committee to consider, an application prior to Doping Control.
Use of a prohibited substance without a valid TUE is at the players’ own risk.
Appeals Process
Use of a prohibited substance or method without a valid TUE may result in charges or investigations under the TADP.
If your TUE application is denied, you may submit a further TUE application for the treatment, though this should address the reasons for denial given by the TUE Committee.
The decision of the ITIA's TUE Committee may be appealed to the World Anti-Doping Agency, at the player's own cost.
If the TUE denial is not reviewed by WADA, or upheld, players may appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
A clean sport starts with you. If you are worried that something crosses the line, let us know.
