Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are probably the most famous pom-pom-wielding sideline entertainers in the industry — and after the release of the second season of Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, there’s been renewed fascination in the iconic cheer squad.
Since the 1960s, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have garnered nationwide attention, not just for their Texas cheerleading, but for their USO Tours, charity performances, and their two television series. From 2006 to 2021, the squad was featured in the CMT reality show, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, and from 2024 to 2025, the DCC have been the focus of Netflix’s documentary-style series.
With the show’s success has come more scrutiny into the rules the cheerleaders have to follow. To many viewers, the rules seem antiquated, unfair, and misogynistic. Here are some of the regulations the DCC are subjected to:
You Can't Date Players
According to a former DCC who spoke with Inside Edition, cheerleaders weren’t allowed to talk to players, let alone date them. But it’s unclear if the rule goes both ways. Are players punished for dating cheerleaders, or is this just another double standard the cheerleaders are expected to deal with?
You Can't Gain Weight
Although there are officially “no height or weight requirements,” the DCC expect that cheerleaders “look well-proportioned in dancewear.” So basically, they have to be relatively thin and have an hourglass shape.
Additionally, they can’t gain weight during the season. According to a veteran cheerleader on the second season of the Netflix show, “You don’t get a new uniform. Once you’re fitted for that uniform, that size is the size that you get. You don’t get to go up. If you go up, they’re like, ‘Why does this not fit you?'”
No Wearing Bright Makeup
The DCC requires their cheerleaders to look “natural,” but they also must have their hair and makeup done at all times (even during rehearsals). On the no-no list? Red lipstick, red nail polish, dramatic false eyelashes, and glittery eyeshadow. The DCC website tells prospective cheerleaders, “Candidates are encouraged to wear what you look and feel your best in and what complements your natural beauty.”
You Can't Have Visible Tattoos
Although cheerleaders are technically allowed to have tattoos, they can’t be visible for auditions, rehearsals, games, or other appearances.
You Must Say 'Yes Ma'am'
This may not be a written rule, but it’s definitely expected that all the cheerleaders address their superiors as “ma’am” or “sir.” During the second season of the show, one of the veteran cheerleaders admitted it was hard to get used to calling everyone, “ma’am.”
You Have To Follow a 'Proper Diet'
During the first season of the show, viewers got a glimpse of director Kelli Finglass’ rule book, which contained details about maintaining a “proper diet.” Apparently, this means eating a healthy breakfast, drinking eight glasses of water a day, taking vitamins, and not eating after 6 p.m.
While these suggestions definitely seem more sustainable than previous rulebook, which stated, “CANDY IS FATTENING,” they’re still pretty unreasonable. How exactly are cheerleaders supposed to avoid eating in the evenings if they’re at rehearsal? Luckily, it seems like the cheerleaders don’t take Kelli’s guidelines too seriously, since we caught glimpses of them eating donuts for breakfast and ordering late-night Taco Bell. And thank goodness the candy rule isn’t around anymore, since this season saw cheerleaders eating Nerds Gummy Clusters and Starbursts.
Rehearsal Attendance Is Mandatory
The DCC website explains, “the required program commitments are performing at approximately 10 home games and 3-4 rehearsals a week between 2-3 hours per rehearsal in late July through the end of the Dallas Cowboys football season. Rehearsals are held in the evenings to best accommodate primary or other part-time employment or enrollment in an educational institution. All other appearances and relevant rehearsals are paid opportunities and are optional for each DCC. “Candidates who are not able to meet the audition or minimum program requirements should not apply.”
As if that wasn’t clear enough, the website also says, “CANDIDATES WHO DO NOT FEEL THEY CAN ATTEND ALL REHEARSALS SHOULD NOT CONTEMPLATE BEING A DALLAS COWBOYS CHEERLEADER.”
You Have To Wear Your Hair Down
The DCC is known for their “hairography,” so cheerleaders have to wear their hair down for all rehearsals, games, and appearances. Not only does their hair need to be down, it needs to be out of their faces and styled. For many dancers, this is hard to get used to, since many dance studios require dancers to have their hair up (think ponytails or ballet buns).
You Have To Clean Your Own Uniform
“Basic Uniform & rehearsal attire is provided,” per the DCC website, but cheerleaders are responsible for cleaning their uniforms. Of course, they can’t just toss their outfits into the washing machine, but instead they have to treat them with gentle stain removers and scrub them with toothbrushes (which we saw numerous times on the second season of the Netflix show). After all that, they have to turn in their uniforms at the end of the season.
Being responsible for washing their own uniforms might not seem like a big deal, but can you imagine if NFL players had to wash their own jerseys?
