The 10 extreme rules Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders MUST follow, or you’re out

As soon as I pin one of these down it’s over for you all


If you’ve been binging Netflix’s insane new docu-series, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, you’ll know just how intense the job is, and you’ll definitely have seen how many rules there are to follow. It doesn’t help that their pay is criminally low for the amount of work put in.

At several times during my watch of the show, I pointed at the screen and said, “I could do that”, which in hindsight was a little ambitious of me after learning the acceptance rate is among those of Ivy League schools. The documentary covered some of their guidelines, but after vigorous snooping on their website, here’s a cold hard list of 10 rules you must follow if you ever want to follow in the iconic squad’s footsteps and become part of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders:

1. You must look ‘well-proportioned’ in dance wear, and have to maintain your weight

In the words of former DCC Victoria Kalina: “You don’t get a new uniform. Like, 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?'” Talk about a toxic work environment.

Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders 2024

Via Netflix

2. You need to be in full hair and makeup every day

I can barely manage a full beat when I’m going out for the night, never mind pulling that off every single morning. On top of that, the rules on what makeup they can wear is very strict: No overboard contour, spray tans, bright lip and cheek colours or long false lashes. The girls are encouraged to “choose mostly mattes for eyeshadows” and “shades that compliment your natural beauty,” and are warned to “avoid a very glittery look”, so put down your 2017 Jaclyn Hill palette babes.

dallas cowboys 2024

Via Netflix

3. You must eat a ‘proper diet’

This was part of the rule book we saw in the Netflix series, and some of the notes included to take vitamins, eat a healthy breakfast, drink eight glasses of water a day, and don’t eat after 6pm. I guess that’s me and my 9pm sweet treat officially over it.

4. No sponsored Instagram posts/influencer content

So, on top of the terrible pay they receive, they also aren’t allowed to supplement that income in any way. Seems fair to me!

Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders 2024

Via Netflix

It’s also such a shame because I would be stalking those day in the life vlogs like my life depended on it.

5. No going out in jeans

Like, what?

6. No dating NFL players, or even TALKING to them

This hilarious rule is giving Barden Bellas and Treblemakers. It’s such a shame to have so many gorgeous people on the pitch that can’t even interact, but I expect that the drama of it all would be too much to deal with. It’s probably for the best in the long run (although can you even IMAGINE a reality show about this?!)

Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders 2024

Via Netflix

7. No visible tattoos anywhere

And at the tiny size of the uniforms, you can basically write off getting any hidden ones.

8. No chewing gum, sweets or fizzy drinks allowed in the studio

I mean, I’ve definitely worked in places where chewing gum wouldn’t be acceptable, but the sweets and fizzy drinks just seem to be another backhanded way of implementing rule one. In the Netflix series, you can see where an old rulebook reads “NO GUM, CANDY, SOFT DRINKS, ETC. ARE ALLOWED IN THE STUDIO. CANDY IS FATTENING & GUM IS UNLADYLIKE!” I’m also really hoping that “excessive intake of water during any rehearsal is not permitted” is no longer a rule, because surely that’s breaking some laws at this point.

9. You can’t be late to, or miss, rehearsal

I mean, sure, this is definitely an important rule, but what about emergencies or other commitments? Are you allowed to have a life outside of cheerleading or do you just get booted from the squad?

Via Netflix

10. You can’t appear anywhere alcohol is served or attend parties

The New York Times reported on this in 2018, which means it’s not even an old rule. I guess fun is off the table as a DCC.

If you can’t get enough of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and want to learn more about the intense history of the squad, check out this 2018 Documentary, Daughters of the Sexual Revolution.

Related stories recommended by this writer:

Here’s the underwhelming amount of money a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader actually makes

Here’s what sadly happens to Addam of Hull and Seasmoke in House of the Dragon books

Tiffany made her teeth smaller after Love Island fans said they were ‘too big for her mouth’

More on: Netflix ranking