Cheerleaders On The Road: Nfl's Away Game Rules

NFL cheerleaders are a group of professional cheerleading organizations in the United States. While they are not allowed to travel with their teams for regular games, there have been instances of them travelling with their teams for overseas games. They are responsible for cheering at home games, marketing the team, and participating in other events and photoshoots. They are also one of the biggest entertainment groups to perform for the United States Armed Forces overseas. However, despite the glamour associated with the job, cheerleaders are paid very little and are subjected to strict rules regarding their conduct, both on and off the field.

NFL Cheerleaders' Pay and Employment Conditions

NFL cheerleaders are independent contractors, and their pay varies depending on the team, experience level, and the number of games and appearances they make. While some sources state that the average yearly salary of an NFL cheerleader is $22,500, others state that it is below $10,000. The pay per game ranges from $75 to $150, with some games offering an extra bonus of $2500. The highest-paid NFL cheerleaders can make up to $150,000 per year, while the minimum salary is $35,000 annually. Additionally, they can earn $50 to $75 for public appearances.

The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, one of the most popular groups in the NFL, earn approximately $15 to $20 per hour, which amounts to $500 per match, resulting in a yearly salary of about $75,000. Similarly, the Carolina Panthers cheerleaders, also known as the Carolina TopCats, receive an annual salary of $75,000.

NFL cheerleaders are subject to strict rules and restrictions regarding their appearance, behaviour, and interactions with players. They are required to maintain a particular image and must follow a dress code even when off-duty. They are not allowed to have tattoos or piercings and must always be well-groomed with perfect nails, hair, teeth, and tan. They are also prohibited from wearing sweatpants or chewing gum when off-duty.

Cheerleaders are expected to be always standing and moving when on the field or at events and are not allowed to retouch their makeup or adjust their clothes during performances. They must arrive at games several hours early and spend many hours practising each week. Additionally, they are required to buy their own uniforms and team calendars, and they may be asked to block all players on social media.

Regarding travel, there is no official documentation on whether NFL cheerleading teams travel to away games. However, there have been instances where they have travelled overseas with their teams, such as the London games.

Cheerleaders' Rules and Restrictions

Cheerleaders Rules and Restrictions

NFL cheerleaders are subject to various rules and restrictions, which have been labelled as stringent, sexist, and demeaning. While the rules vary from team to team, here is a general overview:

Appearance and Dress Code

• Cheerleaders must maintain a certain body weight, with some teams requiring regular weigh-ins and specific weight ranges.
• Tattoos and body piercings must be removed or covered.
• Some teams dictate specific hairstyles and hair colours, and require soft curls when performing.
• No sweatpants are allowed in public, even when off-duty.
• No underwear is permitted when wearing uniforms.
• During performances, cheerleaders cannot adjust their makeup or clothing.

Behaviour and Conduct

• No personal, private, or social relationships with players are allowed, including dating and social media interactions.
• Cheerleaders must refrain from sharing opinions, complaints, or using slang language.
• They are expected to remain standing at all times during games and other events.
• Some teams restrict nail polish, jewellery, and the use of gum.

Uniforms and Merchandise

• Some teams require cheerleaders to purchase their own uniforms and maintain them.
• Cheerleaders are often prohibited from wearing their uniforms outside the stadium or while driving.
• They may be required to pose for team calendars, which they then have to buy and sell themselves.

Social Media and Public Image

• Inappropriate photos, including lingerie or bikini shoots, and photos in team uniforms, are prohibited on social media.
• Cheerleaders are restricted from posting pictures of themselves in uniform.
• They may be restricted from disclosing their affiliation with the team.

Compensation and Work Hours

• Cheerleaders often earn less than minimum wage, with rates as low as $5 per hour or $90-$125 per game.
• They may be required to work additional unpaid hours, attend charity events, and participate in photoshoots on their off days.
• Some teams impose fines for uniform or prop-related infractions.

Cheerleaders' Travel to Away Games

Cheerleaders Travel to Away Games

The National Football League (NFL) is known for its exciting matchups, talented players, and, of course, its vibrant cheerleading squads. These cheerleaders are an integral part of the NFL experience, bringing energy and excitement to the games and supporting their teams. But do these cheerleaders travel to away games?

Cheerleaders and Away Games

While there is no official documentation, it appears that NFL cheerleaders rarely travel with their teams for regular-season away games. Typically, cheerleaders are present at home games and provide local support and marketing for their teams. However, in certain instances, such as overseas games or playoff matches, cheerleaders have been known to travel with their teams.

Examples of Cheerleaders at Away Games

There have been several notable examples of NFL cheerleaders accompanying their teams to away games. In 2017, the Baltimore Ravens' cheerleaders joined fans at Trafalgar Square before their game against the Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London. Similarly, in the same year, the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals' cheerleaders interacted with fans in London before their game at the NFL London Games.

In 2009, the New England Patriots' cheerleaders travelled to London for a game against the Buccaneers, and in 2021, the Atlanta Falcons' cheerleaders were present at an away game against the New York Jets. These instances often occur when teams play overseas, creating an opportunity for cheerleaders to engage with international fans and add to the excitement of these special events.

Cheerleaders' Role in the NFL

Cheerleaders play a significant role in the NFL beyond cheering at games. They participate in practices, training camps, appearances, photo shoots, and charity events. They are also heavily involved in marketing their teams and are available for appearances at schools, conferences, and other events for a set fee. Additionally, many squads have "Junior Cheerleading" programs, where they mentor and teach children dance routines and perform with them on game days.

While it is not a regular occurrence, there have been instances where NFL cheerleaders do travel to away games, particularly for overseas matchups or special events. Cheerleaders are an important part of the NFL experience, and their presence at away games can enhance the excitement and engagement for both fans and players alike.

Cheerleaders' Role in Marketing

Cheerleaders have played a significant role in the marketing of NFL teams, with their presence enhancing the game-day experience and creating a unique brand identity. They are often seen as ambassadors for their teams, and their performances can entertain and engage fans, fostering a sense of community and excitement.

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, for instance, have been described as "America's Sweethearts" and a "major global brand." They have transformed sports entertainment with their iconic outfits, sophisticated dance moves, and athletic prowess, becoming a symbol of American culture.

Cheerleading squads also provide local support and increase coverage and airtime for their teams. Their performances at games and other events, as well as their participation in photoshoots, help promote the team and maintain a positive public image.

Additionally, cheerleaders themselves can become celebrities, with many famous actresses, singers, and models having been cheerleaders in their youth. This further contributes to the marketing power of cheerleaders, as their popularity and influence can attract attention and create a positive association with the team.

However, it is worth noting that cheerleaders are subject to strict rules and often face restrictions on their behaviour, appearance, and activities outside of performances. These rules can impact their personal lives and are often more stringent than those imposed on the players themselves. Despite the crucial role they play in marketing and team representation, cheerleaders are generally not well-compensated, and the job may not be as glamorous as it appears.

Cheerleaders' Relationship with Players

Cheerleaders in the NFL are forbidden from having any personal, private, or social relationships with players. This means no dating, chatting on social media, or physical contact. If a cheerleader is found to be in violation of this rule, they may be fined or lose their job. In fact, if a player walks into the same bar or restaurant as a cheerleader, she is expected to leave. Some teams even require their cheerleaders to block all players on social media.

The strictness of this rule is notable when compared to the level of misconduct allowed by players. Despite being the face of brands and role models for children, players are allowed a certain level of misconduct. 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 off-duty.

The discrepancy between the rules for players and cheerleaders may be due in part to the significant difference in earnings between the two groups. According to Forbes, the NFL generates more than $10 billion a year, and players earn an average of $2 million. Cheerleaders, on the other hand, make about $150 per game, which works out to around $10 an hour—less than the nationwide minimum wage.

The disparity in treatment and compensation between players and cheerleaders in the NFL highlights the unequal power dynamics and gender biases that exist within the league.

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