Even though cheerleaders buy their own uniforms, the NFL still controls when they can and can’t wear them. Some NFL handbooks tell cheerleaders that they’re not allowed to wear their uniforms outside of the stadium.
However, the handbook also stipulates that cheerleaders aren’t allowed to be in the stadium in their regular clothes. Basically, the cheerleaders must change once the game ends and then head home. If you thought they could stick around and celebrate their hard work, you thought wrong.
They Must Be Tan
On top of all the other ridiculous requirements for cheerleaders’ bodies, some NFL handbooks also mandate that the women must be tan. If they’re not tan naturally, they have to go to a tanning salon on their own time and try to match the skin tone of their teammates.
Of course, the tans must then be maintained. It’s just another expense that cheerleaders are never reimbursed for, and they could face consequences if they choose not to follow through with their fake tanning.
Their Teeth Must Be White
Cheerleaders are checked from top to bottom, particularly before they appear at games or events. Much like a horse, some NFL teams also choose to examine their cheerleaders’ teeth.
If a woman’s teeth aren’t white enough, the team can demand that they get their teeth whitened. This expensive procedure certainly isn’t reimbursed and a failure to come back with glowing teeth could result in a suspension.
They Must Hide Piercings and Tattoos
The idea of covering up piercings and tattoos in the workplace certainly isn’t new. However, most employees wear far more clothes than cheerleaders. Despite their often skimpy outfits, many NFL cheerleaders are required to cover up any piercings and tattoos on game day.
Cheerleaders with excessive body jewelry or tattoos may not get hired in the first place. If they do get hired, they’re required to cover their tattoos with makeup and remove any visible piercings. To ensure they’re complying with the rules, the girls must arrive early to have their bodies checked before the game.
They Can’t Disagree With Authority
Cheerleading handbooks make it clear that whatever the people on top say is the law. The cheerleaders aren’t allowed to disagree with their superiors, no matter how ridiculous their demands might be.
In some cases, cheerleaders have been harassed at events and forced to entertain guests in a very escort-like setting. If women spoke out about their poor treatment, they were often fired. The cheerleaders aren’t allowed to disobey or put forth their own opinions, meaning they’re required to simply fall in line or lose their jobs.