Prohibited List, TUEs and Medication

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:

1. Check that the generic name or International Non-proprietary Name (INN) of any active ingredient is not prohibited.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

1. 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.
2. Inform your physician (s) that you are an Athlete bound to anti-doping rules. IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO INFORM YOUR PHYSICIAN.
3. 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.
4. 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.