The Buffalo Bills cheerleader’s are currently suing the organization and two production companies after alleged wage violations and a laundry list of rules set fourth by the team.
The book of guidelines given to the Bills’ cheerleaders (who go by Jills, clever) is a 12-page handbook that pertains from everything to what tampons to buy to what to not talk about at appearances. It’s really quite comical when reading through the rules but pretty ridiculous when you think that the team is actually serious when handing them over to their cheerleading squad.
Here’s some of the more outrageous guidelines via the Business Insider:
Under “General hygiene & lady body maintenance”:
- Intimate area’s: Never use deodorant or chemically enhanced product. Simple, non-deodorant soap will help maintain the right PH balance.
- When menstruating, use a product that [is] right for your menstrual flow. A tampon too big can irritate and develop fungus. A product left in too long can cause bacteria or fungus build up. Products should be changed at least every 4 hrs. Except when sleeping, they can be left in for the night.
- Do not use lufa’s or sponges. They hold TONS of germs! Throw them away now!
- Remove make-up every night before going to bed!
- Make-up left on pillow cases causes break outs. Even if you wash one night and not another, you’ve left bacteria on your pillowcase for a clean face.
- Make-up left in the creases of your skin creates early wrinkles.
- Make-up left in your eye area can cause infection and affect your vision.
- Try to cough or sneeze into your arm, not your hand. If you use your hand wash immediately.
- When you wash, remember where your hands have been while washing, do not transfer dirt or germs to other areas of your body.
- Clean/rinse razor often while shaving. Especially after going to a new “area.” Change razors often, they harbor bacteria.
- Keep toe nails tightly trimmed & clean. PEDICURES!
Under “Glamour requirements”:
- Hair must be worn in a glamour style with no clips or tie backs. A full curled or slightly bent, free-flowing style is required. Short hair must be worn full and fabulous! Hot rollers work great for long hair. After curling, hair should be brushed an/or fluffed. No ringlets.
- Hair must be 1 color. No trendy roots or coloring. Subtle highlights are acceptable with approval. Blondes must be a natural shade of blonde. No extreme colors are permitted such [as] bleach blondes or jet black. Roots must be maintained professionally at all times.
- These cosmetic products must be worn while auditioning or while in Jills uniform: Foundation, blush, 3 natural eye shadow colors (lid cover, highlighter, definer), eye liner, mascara and red lipstick.
Under “Appearance Etiquette”:
- Do not spray perfume on right before going [into an appearance]. Too strong!
- Try to bush your teeth or use a mouthwash before an appearance. Bad breath is offensive. Always keep it in check.
- Never apply make up or fuss with hair in front of people. If it’s absolutely necessary you re-apply /freshen up, go to the ladies room and do not hang out and talk while there. Beware! Other women will judge you in there too!
- Do not use slang in conversations. Never use words/phrases such as: “like,” “I seen it,” “You’s guys,” “dude,” “them guys” “pee” & “ain’t.”
- No gum chewing. Remember table manners if appearance calls for a meal. Never eat in uniform unless arrangements have been made in advance. Just say, “Thanks so much for offering but no thank you” … NEVER say, “Oh, we’re not allowed to eat!”
- Nails should always be done nicely & no chipped polish. French or natural at a Jills function.
List of topics to avoid in conversation at appearances:
- Politics
- Religion
- Sexual references
- Talking about “last night”
- Too personal of an inquiry
- Don’t try to talk about your personal life: job, boyfriends, what you’re doing later, etc…
- Inappropriate jokes
- Strong opinions
- Gossip
- Saying “I” or “me” too often
Under “Etiquette for FORMAL dining”:
- When trying to “capture” a small piece of food onto a utensil, it is acceptable to use another utensil for aiding it aboard. Never use your fingers.
- Never crunch ice at the table.
- Avoid ordering food that may be difficult to manage such as certain finger foods or meat with small bones.
- If served pasta, never cut it to eat. Twirl a small portion on your fork with the assistance of the spoon.
Here’s the full handbook via Deadspin:
Jills Glamour Etiquette Hygiene Rules