NFL Cheerleaders: 20 strict rules that they have to follow
NFL Cheerleaders are an important part of the fan experience but they could’ve been better treated – not only by the fans, but by the league as a whole. While the NFL is a multi-billionaire league, according to Forbes, the average cheerleader earns $10 per hour during the season.
Not only that, but being an NFL cheerleader comes with a lot of strict rules to follow. Obviously, they get a lot of marketing and they can earn a lot from outside gigs, but still, the treatment could be better. They are harshly controlled by the fans and have to abide by some strict rules.
20 rules that NFL cheerleaders have to follow:
1. No public touchups: You can’t do any adjustment to your makeup, your clothes or anything when you’re in public.
2. Always be standing: Cheerleaders aren’t allowed to sit down on the field when they’re not performing. They’re obliged to stand at all times.
3. Buy/sell the team calendar: You know the team calendars that the cheerleaders pose to? They have to buy at least 100 copies and sell them later.
4. Never mention their affiliation with a particular team: They can’t even name the team they work for because team managers are strict with the way they handle the team’s business.
5. Always be available: They’re required to attend some non-field events, such as photo shoots or events, and because of that, a cheerleader always has to be on-call.
6. Never be unsubordinated: Failing to comply with these rules is considered insubordination and leads to dismissal in most cases.
7. Talk in a certain way: Cheerleaders can’t express their personal opinions, can’t use slang or engage in certain topics of conversation. They also can’t gossip.
8. Appear always at their best: They should appear perfect at all times, no matter where they are.
9. Hide any piercing or tattoos: Cheerleaders aren’t supposed to show anything in their bodies, such as piercings or tattoos, and if they do have tattoos, they should be covered with makeup.
10. Never change their appearance drastically: Drastic makeovers aren’t allowed as well, such as a changed haircut, hair color, hairstyle, etc. And any maintenance work they do in their appearance should be paid by themselves. lol
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones on report of now-retired PR chief Rich Dalrymple’s accused voyeurism in 2015, which led to $2.4M cheerleader settlement: “I think Jerry’s addressed it, and I really don’t have anything to add to what he said and what our statements have been.”
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) February 28, 2022
11. Never eat in their uniforms: You can’t do a lot of stuff while you’re in your uniforms, such as eating, chewing gum, smoking and drinking. They also should only sip a couple of water when their team is on offense.
12. Always keep their personal hygiene: Some teams even enforce the kind of personal products the cheerleaders might use. While it seems a bit harsh, keeping personal hygiene is an understandable rule – for all of us, really.
13. Never gain too much weight: It’s easy to understand this one, but they’re subject to regular weigh-ins, and cheerleaders can be suspended for excessive weight gain.
14. Never use undergarments: That’s one of the most absurd for me: they aren’t allowed to wear any underwear when they’re at their duty. Some teams allow for seamless brass, but nothing more than that.
15. Always take extra care of themselves: To be an NFL cheerleader you have to be at your best appearance at all times. Like we said before, for example, you can’t gain too much weight.
16. Only post appropriate photos: Their social media accounts go through regular scrutiny and they aren’t allowed to post pictures deemed inappropriate.
17. Stay away from the football players: Cheerleaders aren’t allowed to have any relationship with NFL players, whether it’s a love relationship or just a social gathering sometimes.
18. Remove uniforms right after the game finish: Their clothes are specific for their work duty and they have to take them out right after the game.
19. Buy their uniforms: They have to buy their own uniform to work. Remember: a multi-billionaire league.
20. Adhere dress code when out of duty: Cheerleaders have to wear certain types of clothes even when they’re not working – for example, they aren’t allowed to wear sweatpants. They don’t have any endorsement deals
