What are the rules?
Key Learnings
1 of 10
The full list of prohibited substances and methods is updated every year and it is the player’s responsibility to know what is allowed and what is banned.
The golden rule for all athletes is the principle of strict liability, which implies that athletes take full responsibility for what they ingest.
As an athlete you cannot refuse or disrupt a doping control test.
Sanctions for violating anti-doping regulations may range from a reprimand to a lifetime ban.
Betting on basketball is strictly forbidden for basketball players.
Never share inside information
Always report to FIBA any fact or suspicion concerning match fixing by using the reporting tool on FIBA’s website.
Every person in sport, in every role, has the right to participate in an environment that is fun, safe, and healthy, and to be treated with respect, dignity and fairness.
All forms of harassment, vilification, and abuse, be it physical, professional, or sexual, and inflicting, facilitating, or tolerating any non-accidental physical or mental injuries are strictly prohibited by FIBA.
Anyone with knowledge of abusive conduct (not only the person suffering it) has the right and moral obligation to notify and formally complain.

Necessary medical treatments and the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)

All players have the right to the best medical treatment. In certain cases, you may be required to take a prohibited substance or use a prohibited method in order to treat an illness or condition. In such cases, you need to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), which, if granted, gives you the authorisation to take the required medication containing a banned substance or use the required banned method.

Any player taking part in a major competition, who takes or intends to take medication that contains or who uses or intends to use one of these methods, must apply for a TUE. Receiving a TUE avoids the risk of sanctions in case of a positive test.

For all FIBA competitions, the TUE request must be addressed to FIBA, while for national-level competitions, it must be made to the country’s National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO). Click here to access a list of all NADOS.

TUE Process
  • Download the TUE application form (click here for the FIBA form).
  • Have your doctor/physician fill-in the TUE application form.
  • Send it back to FIBA (as relevant) at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the competition/championship.
  • Once a TUE is requested, the FIBA TUE Committee, a panel of experts, reviews your request. A TUE will be granted if the following criteria are met:
    • The prohibited substance is needed to treat a diagnosed medical condition.
    • The substance does not enhance your performance beyond what brings you back to normal health
    • There are no alternative (non-prohibited) treatments available.
  • FIBA has 30 days to advise if you can take the requested medication or not. In the case of a denied request, you will be informed of the reasons. You have the right to appeal the decision.

For more information about the TUE process click here.