The Truth About TUE Every Athlete Needs to Know

Medicated or Banned?

In the competitive world of sports, where the difference between triumph and disqualification can hinge on a single decision, there remains a critical but widely misunderstood process: Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

And the truth is alarming—many athletes and even their coaches have little to no awareness of what TUE is, why it matters, or how to use it properly. This ignorance isn’t just costly—it could end a career.

What exactly is a TUE?

A Therapeutic Use Exemption is a formal approval allowing an athlete to take a prohibited substance or undergo a banned treatment—but only when it is medically necessary. In other words, it protects clean athletes who genuinely need treatment from being wrongly punished.

Without a TUE, even treating an illness could cost you your career.

When Should You Apply for a TUE?

Before you take any medication—whether for a minor cold or a major injury—ask this simple but powerful question:

“Is this substance banned in sports?”

If the answer is yes, then:

Apply for a TUE immediately.
Submit your application at least 30 days before your competition.
In case of emergencies, such as sudden injuries, you may apply retroactively (within a shorter time frame).

Where Should You Submit Your TUE Application?

Depending on your level of competition, the application path changes:

National-Level Athletes → Apply to the Bhutan Anti-Doping Committee (BADC)
International-Level Athletes → Apply through your International Federation
Major Events (e.g., Olympics, Asian Games) → Apply directly to the event organizer

How to Apply – A Quick Checklist:

Fill out the official TUE application form
Include:
- Doctor’s prescription
- Official diagnosis
- Detailed treatment plan

Important: Submitting an application does not mean it’s approved. You’ll be notified of a decision within 21 days, and the answer might be a yes, no, or conditional approval.

Warning: No TUE = Doping Violation

Even if you’re sick. Even if your doctor prescribed it. If the substance is on the banned list and you don’t have a TUE, you are breaking anti-doping rules.

That means a potential ban from competition, a stained record, and a serious blow to your reputation.

Bhutanese athletes are rising stars on international platforms, and with that comes higher scrutiny and greater responsibility. TUE isn’t just a medical form—it’s a safeguard, a shield, a must-know rule for every athlete aiming to play fair.

So, before you pop a pill, use an inhaler, or start a new treatment—pause, check the list, and know your TUE rights.

Protect your health. Protect your career. Protect the spirit of sport.