Teams in the NFL have created a strict set of rules that cheerleaders must follow. Bailey Davis, a former New Orleans Saints cheerleader, was fired for a personal Instagram post the team disapproved of. The picture featured her in a one-piece outfit.
Sadly, cheerleaders have been fired for far more innocent acts than using their social media accounts. In the last decade, several NFL cheerleaders' rulebooks have leaked and they don't paint a rosy picture.
Here are the NFL cheerleader rules that shocked us the most. While some of these rules have been removed, the fact that they ever existed in the first place is just plain wrong.
Cheerleaders Are Replaceable
The Oakland Raiders' rulebook reminded the Raiderettes that they were easily replaceable. The rulebook, revealed in 2012, states, "people come to see football and will still come whether or not we have cheerleaders."
Some teams have eliminated cheerleading programs to avoid controversy. The Packers haven't employed cheerleaders since 1988.
Wearing Underwear On The Job Has Been Strictly Prohibited
The Cincinnati Bengals set up a requirement for the Ben-Gals to leave their underwear at home during practice and game days. No reason was given in the rulebook. It was stated as a matter-of-fact; that failure to follow the rules will result in termination of employment.
Knowing Which Players Are Married Is The Cheerleaders' Responsibility
The Oakland Raiders didn't stop cheerleaders from socializing with players as long as they were single. The team told its squad not to ask players directly if they are married. The player will lie. Instead, any cheerleader who wants to be friends with a player must research whether or not they are married.
They encouraged Raiderettes to "call the Raider office with questions as to marital status... Again, he will not tell you he's married!" And don't forget, this is all to protect the cheerleader. It's their reputation on the line, not the player.
Perfection Is A Job Requirement, Even Off The Clock
With how little money cheerleaders make, you'll be shocked to know they are never really "off the clock." Teams explain in rulebooks how cheerleaders are required to dress outside of the facility on their own time. One team referred to the public as a client who "assumes you are professional and close to perfect. Be sure you are."
Another team reminds cheerleaders they are public figures. Cell phone cameras are always at a fans side, waiting for the perfect moment.
Management Decides How Cheerleaders Use Makeup And Wear Their Hair
Teams tell cheerleaders how they can wear their hair, what makeup they can wear, and what nail polish they can use. The Ben-Gals must avoid frosted eyes shadows and lipstick. "Management" will decide their "proper color analysis" if they have questions.
"The Buffalo Jills are required to have a natural polish or French manicure. Their hair must be "full curled or slightly bent."
Cheerleaders Must Be Happy At All Times And Never Question Authority
Cheerleaders must portray happiness at all times. When the job gets tough, they are required to smile and keep quiet. The Raiderettes are instructed not to use slang, innuendos, crude language, or "negative facial expressions."
In the Ben-Gals rulebook, it states, "ABSOLUTELY NO ARGUING OR QUESTIONING THE PERSON IN AUTHORITY!!!" The Buffalo Jills rulebook takes the cake, though, "do not complain about anything - ever hang out with a whiner? It's exhausting and boring."
Even In Private, Properness Is A Must
Not allowed any real private time, cheerleaders are prisoners of their jobs. Instructions for one team's cheerleaders revealed, "always say 'excuse me' when you burp, sneeze or cough. Even if you think there isn't anyone around."
Teams go so far they control what words and phrases cheerleaders use. The Bills won't allow the Jills to say, "I seen it," "dude," "ain't," "you's guys," and "pee." They also cannot have opinions on topics like politics, religion, the previous night, etc.
Female Hygiene Is Anything But Private
The Buffalo Bills gave detailed instructions on how the Jills should wash their feet and shave. They also provide guidelines for very private matters.
As disturbing as this is, the Jills'rulebook gives instructions on how to handle periods. Specifically, it says what hygiene products should be used, for how long, and what size. Some "concerns" should be left alone for individuals to take care of.
To Make Extra Money, Cheerleaders Are Forced To Sell The Team Calendar
Part of a cheerleader's job, for some reason, has been to sell their calendar to the public. Of course, before they sell, they must buy the calendar for stock.
The Ravens required cheerleaders each buy 100 calendars at a slightly discounted price of $12. They sell them for $15 a piece, making a small profit.
Uniforms Don't Come Cheap
Making matters worse, each cheerleader must pay for their uniform. The cost can be hundreds of dollars. To help pay for their outfit and still have money at the end of the season, cheerleaders can't opt out of programs like calendar sales or local events.
When the reality of the situation sets in, the final income, previously stated at less than half of minimum wage, is much lower. The Ben-Gals reported their earnings in 2015 at $2.85 per hour.
The NFL Isn't The Only League With A Mistreatment Problem
Speaking with Teen Vogue, a cheerleader for the Memphis Grizzlies was candid when describing her life under team control. Len Elmore, who danced for Memphis in 2012, accepted her role, "I understood the bigger picture... I don't want to say we are their disposal, but they place you where they see fit."
Tired of being placed without a voice, NFL cheerleaders are fighting back and gaining major victories in the process.
Being Three Pounds "Overweight" Costs A Paycheck
The Bengals handbook was so strict with the weight of their cheerleaders that they instituted weigh-ins every two weeks. Before each season, the Ben-Gals reported their weight to the team. If a cheerleader was three pounds over or under, she was benched. After practice, she stayed 30 extra minutes for extra conditioning.
One cheerleader for the Baltimore Ravens showed up to practice for the Super Bowl and weighed in "heavy." The team didn't let her perform.
Covering Skin Costs Cheerleaders A Lot Of Money
On Tuesdays, the Raiderette's rule book said Cheerleaders had to wear "a 2 piece outfit consisting of a sports bra-type top and shorts." If they wear anything that doesn't "reveal the body from under the bust line" they are fined $10.
Lacy T. Sues The Raiders For $1.25 Million And Wins
In 2014, Raiderette Lacy T. sued the Oakland Raiders on behalf of 90 Oakland cheerleaders. According to the Los Angeles Times report, Lacy T. wanted repayment of missing wages and repayment of funds.
When the lawsuit was settled, the Raiderettes won back $1.25 million in wages and damages.
The Ben-Gals Win $255,000 In Back Pay
In 2015 the Cincinnati Ben-Gals sued the team for back pay, winning $255,000. They claimed event payment equaled an hourly wage of $2.85 per hour. For comparison, team owner Mike Brown was worth $924 million at the time of the lawsuit.
The Bengals maintained their innocence and "continue to deny any liability or wrongdoing with respect to the alleged facts and causes of action asserted in the lawsuit.”
Buccaneers Lose $825,000 Lawsuit To Cheerleaders
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders sued the team in 2015 to recoup lost and missing wages. Manouchehr Pierre-Val filed the lawsuit, claiming she was paid less than two dollars an hour working for the organization.
The team settled with Pierre-Val for $825,000. She split the amount with 90 other former employees the Buccaneers paid unfairly. The bottom line is as more mistreatment about cheerleaders is made public, more lawsuits will be filed until teams step up and treat cheerleaders equally.