The Drug Free Sport NZ Board has established a Therapeutic Use Committee which will consider applications for Therapeutic Use Exemptions according to the requirements of the WADA International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions. This process is provided for within the Drug Free Sport NZ Amendment Act 2000.
Members of the committee are:
Prof. David Gerrard - (convenor) Dunedin Drug Free Sport NZ Board member
Dr. Matt Marshall - Whangarei Drug Free Sport NZ nominee
Dr. Tony Edwards - Auckland Sports Medicine NZ nominee
The committee has the power to co-opt and will consult with specialists in relevant fields as appropriate.
The three core criteria which must be applied by the Committee can be summarised as follows:
- There would be a significant impairment of health without the substance.
- There would be no performance enhancement beyond that which might be anticipated with a return to normal health.
- There is no reasonable permitted therapeutic alternative.
Other criteria and restrictions also apply:
Applicants must consult the
WADA Therapeutic Use Exemption Standard (as part of WADA Code) to ensure that all requirements are understood.
Athletes wishing to notify use of permitted beta 2 agonist and corticosteroid inhalers need to refer to the
' WADA TUE Standard'.
Conditions relating to applications for exemption are as follows:
- All applications will be considered according to the requirements of the WADA TUE Standard.
- Details of exemptions granted will be provided to WADA and other necessary organisations as per the Code.
- In the case of 'International Level' athletes (as determined by the International Federation) application must be made to the IF.
- Applications must be submitted on the correct Form (click here for form) and signed by the appropriate medical practitioner(s). (Note: the Committee will not normally grant an application without support from two physicians, typically a G.P. and a specialist).
- Applications must be sent to the Therapeutic Use Committee, C/- Drug Free Sport NZ, PO Box 18 339, Glen Innes, Auckland.
- An application should be submitted so that the TUC is given the maximum amount of time possible to give it proper consideration normally 21 days will be the minimum.
- The TUC will endeavour to process applications which might be considered 'urgent' as quickly as possible but cannot guarantee to meet any deadlines set by the competitor.
- Applicants must supply all the supporting documentation, including any medical test results and/or specialist opinions, deemed necessary by the TUC. This is at the cost of the applicant.
- All normal costs associated with reviewing the application and reaching a decision shall be borne by the TUC, however, where exceptional costs prove to be necessary they will be charged to the applicant. (This will be discussed with the applicant prior to any costs being incurred.)
- It is recommended that applications are made in consultation with the Medical Officer of the applicant's sport.
