NFL Cheer Rules
Being an NFL cheerleader is seen as a very glamorous and exciting profession, but is also comes with a laundry list of rules and regulations. Breaking these rules often leads to severe consequences, including getting fired. Here are some of the most prominent rules for NFL cheerleaders.
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Fraternization
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One of the firmest NFL cheerleading rules is no fraternization--this goes for players, trainers, staff, personnel, management and owners of the team. Fraternization typically includes socializing outside of team events and forming romantic relationships with those associated with the team.
There have been notable instances where a fraternizing NFL cheerleader has been removed from the squad permanently, such as Christy Oglevee, wife of current Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley. Oglevee was a Redskins cheerleader who was fired after it was discovered that she was dating Cooley. This case is especially notable because Cooley met Oglevee through another Redskins cheerleader whom he had previously dated.
Modeling
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NFL cheerleaders are usually not allowed to model outside of their teams while a member of the squad. This is mainly to ensure that all modeling is in keeping with the image of their team and the league. Any exceptions usually need to be approved by the squad's director or the director and a member of the team's management.
This rule is strictly adhered to. Should a cheerleader pursue modeling opportunities while a member of the squad without permission to do so, she will no longer be allowed to be a cheerleader.
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Practices and Appearances
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All practices and appearances are mandatory, and absences are excused only at the discretion of the squad's director. Usually, only extreme circumstances are excused, such as hospitalization or injury; typically, the death of family members and family events are not excuses for missing practices, games or team events.
If a cheerleader misses a practice, she will not be allowed to perform at that week's game and will not receive any pay for that week. Should she miss more than one practice, the cheerleader will likely be kicked off the squad.
Uniform
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An NFL cheerleader's uniform can only be worn during games and when requested at official appearances and team events. Wearing the uniform when a cheerleader does not have permission to do so, especially in public, will likely result in them being removed from the squad.
Typically, the cheerleading uniforms are stored in the team's practice facility and not taken home, but for the few teams that do allow cheerleaders to care for their own uniforms, there are additional guidelines. If the uniform is not cleaned as it should be, the cheerleader will not be allowed to go to games or appearances. If any part of the uniform gets ruined or lost, the cheerleader will be responsible for replacing it.
Tryouts
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Unless an NFL cheerleader is a captain or officer, they must try out again each season. No cheerleader's spot is guaranteed, but there are usually separate preliminary tryout rounds for new members and returning members. Those who make it through the separate rounds then compete against each other in the final round of tryouts.
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References
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- Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons, dirkhansen
