THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTION COMMITTEE (COMMITTEE AND SECRETARY)
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a clear impact on TUE applications in 2020. Because most sports came to a standstill, the number of effective applications also fell sharply.
Exemptions were ultimately granted in 86 cases. This was significantly less than in 2019 and previous years. Applications were turned down in twelve cases initially; a number of these were granted after all at a later date (for example after more specific information had been provided).
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granted | 99 | 97 | 125 | 126 | 118 | 86 |
| Not granted | 8 (7,5%) | 5 (4,9%) | 6 (4.6%) | 12 (8.7%) | 15 (11.3%) | 12 (8.1%) |
As in recent years, most exemptions in 2020 related to the use of methylphenidate (50). That is 58% of the exemptions granted. The increase seen in recent years has therefore continued.
Other types of medication for which exemptions were often granted were dexamphetamine (4.6%) and insulin (9.3%).
The applications came from a total of 28 different sports associations. The Athletics Union was at the top of the list again with ten applications granted (11.6%), followed by the Royal Dutch Cycling Union and the Judo Association (10.4%), and the Royal Dutch Swimming Association (9.3%)
Pursuant to the WADA audit, a number of improvements were made to the website for exemption applications, particularly with regard to privacy regulations and the possibility of retroactive exemptions.
Committee member Hans Vorsteveld passed away unexpectedly on 10 October 2020. A suitable successor is still being sought. Given the ever-increasing number of applications relating to conditions such as ADHD and ADD, the aim is to appoint a psychiatrist.