DFSPNZ: THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTION

If you are competing at Open level events this year (both Long Course and Short Course National Championships), you are classed as a national level athlete by Drug Free Sport NZ (DFSNZ). This means that you could be subject to drug testing, and there are a few things you need to be aware of.

If you’re currently taking prescribed medication which is on the Prohibited List, you will need to have a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) in place BEFORE you compete in these events. The TUE will need to be applied for well in advance and will need to cover the duration of the event in which you are competing.

If you are drug tested and found to have a prohibited substance in your blood or urine sample and you do not have a TUE, then you are putting your swimming career at risk and could face a ban from all sport.

This year, some common medications which are permitted in sport have had their thresholds lowered. For example, Ventolin/Salbutamol which is used to treat asthma. The intake is now limited to a maximum of 1600 micrograms over 24 hours (for this brand, the threshold would be reached after 16 puffs over 24 hours). If you need to use your inhaler more often around competitions, then you will need a TUE.

If you are not sure what a TUE is, or if you are unsure about which medications are on the Prohibited List or the threshold limits, we strongly encourage you to visit the DFSNZ website, which has all the information you need to ensure you compete clean.

For information on the TUE process, please click here

To access the free online medication check, please click here

For overall anti-doping information, please contact Drug Free Sport NZ:

Phone: 0800 DRUGFREE
Web: www.drugfreesport.org.nz
Email: info@drugfreesport.org.nz
Medication Text service 4365 (cost 20c)