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Extreme caution is recommended regarding supplement use. A number of positive tests have been attributed to the misuse of supplements, poor labeling or contamination of dietary supplements.
The use of supplements by athletes is a concern because in many countries the manufacturing and labeling of supplements may not follow strict rules, which may lead to a supplement containing an undeclared substance that is prohibited under anti-doping regulations. Pleading that a poorly labeled dietary supplement was taken is not an adequate defense in a doping hearing.
Risks of supplements include:
- Manufacturing standards, which are often less strict when compared with medications. These lower standards often lead to supplement contamination with an undeclared prohibited substance, for example when manufacturing equipment isn't cleaned to the required standards and contains remnants of ingredients from a previous product.
- Fake or low-quality products which may contain prohibited substances and be harmful to health.
- Mislabeling of supplements with ingredients wrongly listed and prohibited substances not identified on the product label.
- False claims that a particular supplement is endorsed by Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) or that it is “safe for athletes”. Remember, ADOs do not certify supplements and the product label may contain misleading messaging.
Athletes should do a risk-benefit assessment if they are considering the use of supplements. The first step of such an assessment is to consider whether a “food-first” approach meets the athlete’s needs. Whenever possible, such assessment should be done with a support of a certified nutritionist or other qualified professional who is familiar with the global and IPSF Anti-Doping Rules.
Checking your supplements
If, after careful consideration, an athlete chooses to use supplements, they must take the necessary steps to minimize the risks associated with supplements. This includes:
- Thorough research on the type and dose of the supplement, preferably with the advice of a certified nutritionist or other qualified professional who is familiar with Anti-Doping Rules.
- Only selecting supplements that have been “batch-tested” by an independent company.
- Remembering what supplement they take, keep some of it in case they get a positive result, and keep any proof of purchase and declare it on the Doping Control Form (DCF).
Remember, no supplement is 100% risk-free but athletes and athlete support personnel can take certain steps to minimize these risks.
Neither WADA nor the IPSF/NADO is involved in any supplement certification process and therefore do not certify or endorse manufacturers or their products. WADA and the IF/NADO do not control the quality or the claims of the supplements industry.
- TUE Application Form for Worlds 2024
- You can download free the World Anti-Doping Code here: https://www.wada-ama.org/en/resources/world-anti-doping-code-and-international-standards/world-anti-doping-code#resource-download.
- For information related to the steps needed to obtained a TUE, please consult here: International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE) | World Anti Doping Agency (wada-ama.org)
- International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI) | World Anti Doping Agency (wada-ama.org)
- International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information (ISPPPI) | World Anti Doping Agency (wada-ama.org)
- International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS) | World Anti Doping Agency (wada-ama.org)
- International Standard for Education (ISE) | World Anti Doping Agency (wada-ama.org)
- International Standard for Results Management (ISRM) | World Anti Doping Agency (wada-ama.org)
WADA prohibited list
The Prohibited List (List) identifies substances and methods prohibited in-competition, always and in particular sports. Substances and methods are classified by categories (e.g. steroids, stimulants, masking agents). The List is updated at least annually following an extensive consultation process facilitated by WADA.
It is each athlete’s responsibility to ensure that no prohibited substance enters his/her body and that no prohibited method is used.
The list can be checked in this website: World Anti-Doping Code | World Anti Doping Agency (wada-ama.org)
The List only contains the generic names of the pharmaceutical substances. The List does not contain brand names of the medications, which vary from country to country. Before taking any medication, an athlete should check with the prescribing physician that it does not contain a prohibited substance:
- Check that the generic name or International Non-proprietary Name (INN) of any active ingredient is not prohibited.
- Check that the medication does not contain any pharmaceutical substances that would fall within a general category that is prohibited. Many sections of the Prohibited List only contain a few examples and state that other substances with a similar chemical structure or similar biological effect(s) are also prohibited.
- Be aware that intravenous infusions and/or injections of more than 50mL per 6-hour period are prohibited, regardless of the status of the substances.
- Be aware that since 1 January 2022, all injectable routes of administration will now be prohibited for glucocorticoids during the in-competition period. Note: Oral administration of glucocorticoids remains prohibited in-competition. Other routes of administration are not prohibited when used within the manufacturer’s licensed doses and therapeutic indications.
ATHLETE’S THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTION PROCESS – TUE
What is a therapeutic use exemption (TUE)?
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. Applications for TUEs are evaluated by a panel of physicians, the TUE Committee (TUEC) from the IPSF.
What do I need to obtain a TUE?
There are four criteria which ALL must be met:
- 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.
How and when to 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. You should verify with the IPSF to know to whom you need to apply and if you can apply retroactively, send your questions at the email address: anti-doping@ipsfsports.org
- Check if the required medication or method you intend to take, or use is prohibited as per the WADA Prohibited List in the year you are competing.
- Inform your physician (s) that you are an Athlete bound to anti-doping rules. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO INFORM YOUR PHYSICIAN.
- 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 your NADO or the IPSF anti-doping chair if you are having difficulties.
- Contact the IPSF anti-doping chair, Dr. Andrea Avila to determine your competition level and TUE application requirements.
- If it is determined that you are an International-Level Athlete [Every athlete competing at the World Pole & Aerial Championships in every division and category] you must apply to the IPSF 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 apply.
- If you already have a TUE granted by your National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO), the IPSF automatically recognizes the TUE decisions. In such case, please notify the IPSF anti-doping chair that you have a TUE granted by your NADO.
- If you are NOT an International-Level Athlete and you have been tested by your NATIONAL POLE SPORT FEDERATION, the IPSF recognizes a valid TUE granted by your NADO; unless you are required to apply for recognition of the TUE because you are competing in an international event.
How to apply for a retroactive TUE?
You may only apply retroactively for a TUE to the IPSF 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 National Level Athlete (Athletes competing nationally in every competing division and category) who is not under the jurisdiction of the NADO and were tested.
- You tested positive after using a substance Out-of-Competition that is only prohibited In-Competition.
How to apply to the IPSF for a TUE?
Electronic TUE form
Please complete the IPSF’s TUE Application Form. You will be required to add your medical documentation and pay for this. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact anti-doping@ipsfsports.org.
Your TUE application must be submitted in ENGLISH, with legible capital letters or typing.
The medical file must include:
- A comprehensive medical history, including documentation from the original diagnosing physician(s) (where possible)
- The results of all examinations, laboratory investigations and imaging studies relevant to the application.
- An amount of £100 must be paid by the athlete for the documentation to be analyze by the TUEC.
- Further additional requirements such as additional medical examinations, tests, imaging studies, etc. are at the responsibility of the Athlete.
- Any TUE application that is not complete or legible will not be dealt with and will be returned for completion and re-submission.
To assist you and your doctor in providing the correct medical documentation, we suggest consulting the WADA’s Checklists for TUE applications for guidance and support, and TUE Physician Guidelines for guidance on specific common medical conditions, treatments, substances, etc.
Keep a complete copy of the TUE application form and all medical information submitted in support of your application, and proof that it has been sent.
