TLDR: If you are a "Non-National Athlete" in the U.S., have a prescription for a drug that is prohibited only in competition, and are not competing in an "International Event", you may not need (or even be able to get) a TUE. But there could still be consequences if you are tested.
I was recently prescribed a short course of a medication that is "prohibited in-competition only", and wanted to see what it would take to be cleared to race before the course was over. Here is what I learned:
If you have any doubts as to your situation, I would read the USADA TUE policy and submit the pre-check form for confirmation.
I was recently prescribed a short course of a medication that is "prohibited in-competition only", and wanted to see what it would take to be cleared to race before the course was over. Here is what I learned:
- If you are a Non-National Athlete, and have a first "Adverse Analytical Finding" for a substance that is prohibited only in competition, you "will not have committed an anti-doping rule violation" if you can prove that you had a prescription and it was appropriate to treat a documented medical condition, and you go through any additional testing required by USADA
- If those circumstances would apply to you, USADA will discourage you from even applying for a TUE. For example, after I submitted the USADA pre-check form they sent me an email saying "Non-National Athletes are NOT required to obtain a TUE prior to using a prohibited substance or method within specific categories of prohibited substances or methods as per Article 5a of the USADA TUE Policy. XXXX is one of those substances."
- Even if you apply for a TUE, they will not act on it. "As a Non-National Athlete, you are welcome to submit a TUE application proactively. However, if a TUE is not required at the time of submission, USADA will keep your TUE application and medical documentation on file if needed for future evaluation."
- However, a positive test could still have consequences. You and your doctor would bear the burden of proof to show that the medication was necessary and appropriate, and if USADA did not agree, you would receive a doping sanction. Also, the exemption is a one-shot deal, and in the future you would need a TUE for any prohibited substance. And even if USADA agrees you qualify for the exemption, you may be disqualified from your event and receive a public warning (that case was for a diuretic / blood pressure medication that is "prohibited at all times", but falls under the same exemption)
If you have any doubts as to your situation, I would read the USADA TUE policy and submit the pre-check form for confirmation.