Random Sexist Rules NFL Cheerleaders Have To Follow (16 items)

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  (#4) They Are Put Through A 'Jiggle Test' Before Games

  All of the cheerleading teams seem to dictate that the cheerleaders's bodies look a certain way, but all teams have different ways of measuring this. The Buffalo Jills method of making sure their cheerleaders had the ideal body type included subjecting cheerleaders to weekly "jiggle tests." During these “physique evaluations,” cheerleaders did jumping jacks while coaches judged their stomachs, butts, and limbs based on how much they jiggled. This jiggle test would determine whether each cheerleader was fit enough to appear at the upcoming football game. Cheerleaders who were deemed too jiggly failed the jiggle test and were benched for the game, suspended, and even dismissed.
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  (#5) 'Slouching Breasts' And Wearing Underwear Are Forbidden

  Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader Alexa Brenneman filed a class-action lawsuit against the franchise for violating employment laws. Because of the case, the handbook for Ben-Gal Cheerleaders was made public, revealing shockingly specific instructions. One such instruction was, “No panties are to be worn under practice clothes or uniform, not even thong panties.” This rule seems extremely intrusive, and even more so because the athletic benefit of being panty-free remains to be seen.

  While Ben-Gals are instructed to go without underwear, the handbook dictated that bras are a must. It states, “No slouching breasts. Support as needed. Black or nude seamless bra mandatory for games. No lace.” The handbook goes on to dictate that cheerleaders wear pantyhose, but not of the control top variety.
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  (#2) After Following All Of These Rules, Cheerleaders Are Compensated With As Little As $5 Per Hour

  The reason many lawsuits are brought against specific franchises is because the cheerleaders make so little that it is illegal. In some reported cases, cheerleaders make as little as $5 per hour. Teams have seemingly gotten away with his practice by paying cheerleaders per event. Cheerleaders will make somewhere between $90 - $125 for appearing at a football game. Cheerleaders will also make money for paid events, though they are required to also attend charity events for which they aren’t compensated.

  On top of that, cheerleaders are often fined for sexist reasons. One team installed "2 Piece Tuesdays," during which all cheerleaders must show their belly button at Tuesday practices. The handbook explains:

  “You must wear a 2 piece outfit consisting of a sports bra-type top and shorts. The top must fit like a sports bra to reveal the body from under the bust line and form-fitting shorts (not jazz pants rolled up, basketball shorts, cutoff sweats or colored tights under the shorts) worn to reveal your belly button. Failure to do so results in a $10 fine.”

  With the abysmal base pay and the additional fines, cheerleaders can walk away with just a $1,250 check for the entire season. In comparison, mascots make somewhere between $25,000 and $60,000 per year. When also considering there are estimates that cheerleaders bring in as much as $1 million in profit for their teams, it’s clear that cheerleaders are getting a raw deal.
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  (#16) If A Cheerleader Wants To Date A Player, It's Her Responsibility To Find Out If He's Married

  The Raiderette’s handbook further discourages relationships or even being friendly with football players with, “At events where Raider players are present, NEVER go up and gush all over a player, ask for an autograph or hang on his arm for a photograph.” The handbook adds, “You want to avoid putting yourself into an embarrassing situation or become an embarrassment to the squad because of inappropriate actions on your part.”

  However, the handbook also provides some instruction in the event that a cheerleader does inadvisably hit it off with a football player: “Make a point to find out if a player is married. In most cases, he won't tell you! You can call the Raider office with questions as to marital status and I encourage you to do so. Again, he will not tell you he's married!”

  Essentially, it’s up to the cheerleader to make sure a football player, presumably pursuing said cheerleader, isn’t married.
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  (#15) 'Negative Facial Expressions' Are Prohibited

  Cheerleaders are generally portrayed in a positive, smiling manner, but the extent to which the handbooks dictate this positive, smiling manner is outlandish. The Raiderette’s handbook instructs, “Crude language, innuendos, slang and negative facial expressions are strictly VERBOTEN!”

  The Ben-Gal’s handbook actually says, “ABSOLUTELY NO ARGUING OR QUESTIONING THE PERSON IN AUTHORITY!!!”

  Finally, the Buffalo Jills’s handbook says, “Do not be overly opinionated about anything. Do not complain about anything- ever hang out with a whiner? It’s exhausting and boring.”

  So, smile all the time, don't be a whiner, and never question authority? Yes, cheerleaders supposed to be smiling, positive, and enthused, but the extent to which these handbooks tells their cheerleaders to be happy is reminiscent of The Stepford Wives.
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  (#13) Handbooks Provide Instructions On How To Properly Speak

  The handbook for the Buffalo Jills gives very specific instructions on how a cheerleader should speak. The cheerleaders are instructed to never use the words/phases like I seen it, you’s guys, dude, them guys, ain't, and pee. They are to avoid the topics of religion, politics, sexual references, and talking about the previous night. The instructions also dictate that they should use the phrase 'oh my goodness' instead of 'oh my god'. There are even rules for speaking when no one is around: “Always say ‘excuse me’ when you burp, sneeze or cough. Even if you think there isn’t anyone around.”

  Overall, these rules seem to provide conversational instructions modeled after an antiquated idea of femininity.

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