Many cheerleaders also pride themselves on the work they do with their local communities, while some, like the New Orleans Saints demand the women have public speaking skills as well as dance technique.
But a harsher view of the cheerleading industry is that women dancing on the fringes of competitive sport is an echo from an age of sexism and misogyny.
And Carolina Panthers cheerleaders must show up for work five hours before kickoff.
Cincinnati Bengals cheerleaders reportedly must be “within three pounds of their ‘ideal weight'” in recent years, according to The Times.
Carolina Panthers cheerleaders can’t take water breaks unless the team is on offense, The Times reports. The cheerleaders must cover up visible tattoos or body piercings.
Carolina Panthers cheerleaders also can’t change into their street clothes until they leave the stadium, The Times reports. Oakland Raiders cheerleaders are slapped with fines if they show up with the wrong pompoms, fail to polish their boots, or forget part of their uniform on game day, according to The Times.
According to The Times, cheerleaders for the Baltimore Ravens can’t pose nude or semi-nude, work as exotic dancers, or be in any “tasteless films, photos, or bikini/swimwear contest.”
They Are Put Through A ‘Jiggle Test’ Before Games
Even when they aren’t on duty for their teams, cheerleaders are subject to specific franchise rules about their behavior. They are forbidden from fraternizing with players. They cannot speak with them, seek their autographs or follow them on social media. They must block players who follow them. They are not allowed to post pictures of themselves in uniform. Teams say this rule is to prevent the cheerleaders from attracting stalkers.
Despite increases in pay, the rules persist in part because supply outweighs demand. Most teams employ only a few dozen cheerleaders, who must audition along with hundreds of other candidates every year to keep their jobs.
Yet thousands of women are eager to join the squad.
