Humiliation, Degradation And Unpaid Labor: The Life Of NFL Cheerleaders

NFL cheerleadersDon’t let the painted smiles of NFL cheerleaders fool you: Behind the scenes, they often have little to?cheer about. From unpaid practice sessions to “jiggle tests” to draconian rulebooks, these women are subject to countless secret policies that are finally making their way to the media spotlight.


Five cheerleaders have filed suit against their respective teams this year; the latest case is against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who allegedly paid one former cheerleader less than $2 an hour for her work. Some women don’t get paid at all (at least not in dollars). The Buffalo Jills ? currently under suspension ??gave each cheerleader just a game ticket and parking pass for every home game.

Despite?the meager wages, cheerleaders must follow detailed codes of conduct. Teams may dictate the hairstyle, lipstick color or brand of spray tan each cheerleader must use, or even what type of panties?they’re allowed to wear. Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders are not allowed to gain a single pound over the season, according to a leaked rulebook.

The Jills were allegedly subject to “jiggle tests,” in which they jumped up and down as they were checked for any jiggling in the arms, legs, buttocks or stomach. Jills were also auctioned off at golf tournaments, where they had to spend the game riding in the winners’ golf carts ? often sitting on their laps for lack of room.

Cheerleaders who don’t follow the rules may even face fines. Raiderettes, for example, must pay $10 if they bring the wrong pom-poms to practice.

Although the pending?lawsuits may facilitate change in the cheerleading community, results are far from?guaranteed. In March, the Department of Labor ruled that Raiderettes are not entitled to earn minimum wage because they’re classified as seasonal workers.


 

For now and into the foreseeable future, cheerleaders may just have to smile with gritted teeth, as usual.

edited/published by: WG

Nina Kate is a progressive journalist living in Los Angeles, CA. She's passionate about human and animal rights, as well as preserving the environment. Visit her blog at LadyFreethinker.com.