Therapeutic Use Exemptions & Medication Checks

THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTIONS & MEDICATION CHECKS

IMPORTANT

This section contains information on how the doping risks that arise in relation to the use of medications can be managed.

Players should NOT cease, reduce or eliminate the use of any medication they are using without consulting with their medical professionals first.

Many Powerchair Football players will be using a range of medicines, pharmaceutical products and similar remedies. These are collectively referred to as medications.

Medications can often contain banned substances. This includes medications prescribed by a doctor or medical professional and those which can be purchased over the counter in a supermarket or from a pharmacy.

If a player uses a medication that contains a banned substance, that player risks committing a doping violation. This risk needs to be managed.

One of the most straightforward ways that a player, or a player’s support team, can work out if a medication contains a banned substance is to use online checking tools. These can be used to check medications to see if they contain banned substances, and if those substances are banned all the time, or just when competing.

If a player is using a medication under medical supervision, it is good practice for the player to explain to the medical professional that the player may be tested, and so ask the medical professional to assist with checking the medication to see if it contains a banned substance, and if so, if there is a reasonable alternative that does not contain a banned substance. The choice of medication will always be made by the medical professional based on medical need.

Check your Medications

Global DRO Website

Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE)

This section applies only to players who compete, or intend competing, internationally.

If a player is using a medication that contains a banned substance, that player can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption, also known as a TUE, in relation to that substance. A TUE acts as a licence permitting the player to use that substance without risking a doping violation.

Application Process

Players can apply to either the National Anti-Doping Organisation for their nation, or to FIPFA.

National Anti-Doping Organisations

The NADOs that can accept applications for TUEs from Powerchair Football players are listed in this section.

Players should follow the application process established by their NADO and notify FIPFA once the application process is concluded.

FIPFA

International Players can apply to FIPFA for a TUE. To be considered an International Player you must have competed (within the last 12 months) or expect to compete (in the next 6 months) in one of the following –

[list competitions]

TUE applications must be sent to FIPFA no later than 30 business days before the competition that the player is participating in. All the information contained in a TUE application, including the supporting medical information and any other information related to the evaluation of your TUE request is kept strictly confidential.

FIPFA Application process

Specified Medical Conditions

WADA has provided specific advice in relation to a number of conditions and related therapies. FIPFA recommends that any player for whom any of these are relevant should review WADA’s advice with the player’s medical professionals.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Adrenal Insufficiency

Anaphylaxis

Asthma

Cardiovascular Conditions

Diabetes

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Intravenous Infusions

Male Hypogonadism

Musculoskeletal Conditions

Neuropathic Pain

Renal Transplantation

Sinusitis/Rhinosinusitis

Intrinsic Sleep Disorders

Transgender Athletes

Glucocorticoids

All injectable and oral routes of administration are prohibited for glucocorticoids during the in-competition period.

Other routes of administration (including inhaled and topical: dental-intracanal, dermal, intranasal, ophthalmological and perianal) are not prohibited when used within the manufacturer’s licensed doses and therapeutic indications.

It is strongly recommended that players follow the minimum washout periods as guided by WADA, expressed from the time of administration to the start of the in-competition period. These washout periods are based on the use of these medications according to the maximum manufacturer’s licensed doses.

If there is a legitimate medical need for the use of a glucocorticoid, the athlete may apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

Salbutamol

The total permitted daily dose is 1,600 micrograms over 24 hours. A TUE should be sought for doses in excess of these limits.

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