What are the rules for NFL cheerleaders? Dating players, tattoos, social media...

According to Forbes, The NFL generates more than $10 billion a year and out of that players are earning an average of $2 million. With money like that in the game, you’d think cheerleaders would be doing well for themselves, but you’d be wrong. At about $150 per game, which works out to around $10 an hour, they’re not eve making the nationwide minimum wage.

A Guide to the NFL Cheerleader

As glamorous and fun as the job of an NFL cheerleader may look, the truth is that when you take their salaries and then subtract the varying aspects of the job such as uniforms, hairdressing, physical upkeep and make-up - all of which come with a cost - it’s not what you might think at all. Indeed, with little to put in the bank at the end of the month, most find it to be tough going.

Stepping away from the difference in salary between players and cheerleaders (certainly one to reflect on), players seem to be permitted a certain level of misconduct, despite many of them being the face of brands and role models for children. Cheerleaders on the other hand, are not even allowed to chew gum in the wrong place, or wear sweatpants at any time of the day - even when they are off-duty - if they want to keep their jobs. Indeed, these rules and restrictions have actually increased in recent years and as you’ll see below, are actually quite strict when compared with what is asked of players. Below you can take a look at the rules that cheerleaders face in the NFL:

1. Respect the dress code even when off duty

Unlike NFL players, cheerleaders don’t enjoy the benefits of sponsorship deals with brands and organizations. With that in mind, it may come as a shock to you that they face restrictions on what they can wear even when not working. That’s right. Cheerleaders aren’t allowed to wear certain items of clothing when off duty including sweatpants.

2. Tattoos and piercings are a ‘No No’

So, you’ve been considering that full coverage tattoo for your back? Cheerleading may not be the job for you. If you’ve got tattoos, you’ll be asked to conceal them. If you’re thinking of getting one, you’ll be told not to. As for jewelry, you’ll be asked to remove all of it. Indeed, some teams are even known to perform body checks before every game to ensure rules are being followed correctly.

3. Weight Control

While this also applies to NFL players, who are all weighed regularly, you can bet your bottom dollar that the strictness of the rule where cheerleaders are concerned is very different. Individuals can be suspended from games for weight gain or even lose their job if the franchise considers the increase to be “a lot of weight.”

4. No opinions, complaints, or slang language

All cheerleaders must take special care of their language. They should not complain about anything and limit any opinions they may have. The use of slang is strictly prohibited.

5. Stay away from players at all times

This means: no personal, private, or social relationships with the players are allowed, and if it wasn’t already clear, that means absolutely no dating. Talking, chatting on social media, or having physical contact with each other could result in a cheerleader being fined or in the worst-case scenario, losing their jobs. In reality, this is perhaps the most stringent rule by which a cheerleader has to live by, to the extent that if a player walks into the same bar or restaurant as a cheerleader, she has no choice but to leave. Some teams even require their cheerleaders to block all players on social media.

6. Buy their own uniforms

Lots of rules are set around cheerleading costumes. The most important is probably that which requires cheerleaders to cover the cost of their own uniforms. Yes, they have to pay for what they wear. Also worth noting, is the fact that several teams don’t allow cheerleaders to drive around in their costumes once they leave the stadium. There are others who don’t allow them to walk around the stadium in their uniforms either, meaning once they remove their uniforms, they must leave the stadium. Further still, is the fact that they are not allowed to eat, drink or smoke while in uniform.

7. No inappropriate photos on social media

This is probably one of the most regular reasons for dismissal. Under no circumstances, can cheerleaders post inappropriate photos on social media. What constitutes ‘inappropriate?’ Anything ranging from lingerie, to bikini photoshoots or competitions and most definitely photos of them in the team’s uniform. All cheerleader accounts are subjected to daily scrutiny to check that they are abiding by the rules.

8. No drastic changes in looks

Cheerleaders must maintain their looks with no drastic changes, this means keeping the same haircut, hairstyle, and obviously no changes in hair color. Some are even required to have their hair done in specific salons, to ensure things are being done correctly. Their hair must always be done in soft curls when performing.

9. Buy the team calendar and sell it

Cheerleaders have to pose for the annual team calendar, but they are not allowed to keep their own copy for free - they have to buy their own calendar. They are also made to buy 100 copies each to sell.

10. Appear impeccable at all times

Cheerleaders have to be at their best at all times. As is the case with their weight and body physique, their appearance has to be exceptional. White teeth, perfect nails and hair, the exact amount of makeup, and a correct tan are some of the aspects that cheerleaders should be on top of on a daily basis.

11. Always be on-call

Cheerleaders not only appear on the field, but also participate in other NFL events and photoshoots even if they are on their off days. Even more excessive, is the fact that some teams don’t pay extra for this additional participation as it is how their contracts are structured. To be clear, failure to attend these events could result in dismissal.

12. Remain standing at all times

Cheerleaders should always be standing up and moving around when they are in the field. This rule also applies when they attend any other events.

13. Avoid retouching makeup or clothes while on the field

During the games, cheerleaders are not allowed any makeup retouches or clothing adjustments, one of the reasons why they are required to arrive five hours before the game.

14. No underwear when wearing uniforms

Taking into account how revealing some of the uniforms are, underwear is not allowed to avoid any pieces or straps slipping out at any point during the performance. Some teams allow sports bras for cheerleaders affiliated with their team. Ultimately, any failure to adhere to these rules and regulations would be considered insubordination and would in most cases result in dismissal.