For decades, the Buffalo Bills cheerleaders—known as the Buffalo Jills—were the epitome of sideline glamour. But behind the sparkling pom-poms and high-energy routines lay a 12-page handbook that could rival a military manual for its sheer intensity and bizarre demands.
In light of a massive class-action lawsuit and recent reveals from former squad members, the world is finally seeing the secret world of NFL cheerleading. These women weren’t just athletes; they were subject to a level of micromanagement that most people would find impossible to believe. From “jiggle tests” to the proper way to eat soup, here are 9 insane rules the Buffalo Jills had to follow.
1. The Infamous “Jiggle Test”
Perhaps the most dehumanizing rule in the Buffalo Jills handbook was the mandatory physical evaluation known as the “jiggle test.” Before games, cheerleaders were reportedly require to perform jumping jacks in front of directors.
- The Goal: To ensure that their bodies were “firm” and that no part of their physique moved in a way the coaches deemed unappealing.
- The Penalty: If a cheerleader fail the test, she could be “benched” for the game, meaning she wouldn’t perform and, in many cases, wouldn’t be paid for that day.
2. Mandatory “Intimate Hygiene” Instructions
While most employers stay far away from a worker’s personal bathroom habits, the Buffalo Bills organization went into graphic detail. The handbook included a section on female hygiene that read like a medical pamphlet.
- Specifics: It dictated exactly how to wash “intimate areas” (suggesting simple soap over chemically enhanced products) and how often to change tampons.
- The “Reasoning”: The manual claimed these rules were necessary for health and “freshness,” but former cheerleaders have cited this as a major invasion of privacy.
3. “No Opinion” Policy: Be Pretty, Be Quiet
When representing the Buffalo Bills at public appearances, the Jills were strictly forbidden from having “strong opinions.” They were essentially instruct to be conversational mannequins.
- Forbidden Topics: Discussion of religion, politics, or controversial current events was a fireable offense.
- The “Whiner” Rule: The handbook explicitly stated, “No one likes to hang out with a whiner.” Cheerleaders were told never to complain about an event or be critical, as it could be “insulting” to the host.
4. The “Bread and Butter” Etiquette Guide
The team didn’t just control how the women looked; they controlled how they ate. The Buffalo Jills had to follow strict dining etiquette rules during public appearances, even when they weren’t on the clock.
- Utensil Usage: The handbook instructed: “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.”
- Bread Rules: You were never to butter an entire slice of bread at once. You had to break off a small piece, butter it, and eat it—one bite at a time.
5. Extreme Grooming: From Pedicures to Pubic Hair
The grooming standards were so specific that they left almost no room for personal style or natural appearance.
- Nail Protocol: Only a French manicure or natural/clear polish was allow. Toes had to be “lightly trimm and clean,” follow by a mandatory “PEDICURES” in all caps in the manual.
- Hair and Makeup: The “natural” look was require, but it took hours to achieve. Hair had to be worn down in soft waves, and three specific eye shadow colors were often require to be worn simultaneously.
- The Tan: Being pale was not an option. Cheerleaders were force to maintain a subtle tan year-round, often through expensive spray tans paid for out of their own pockets.
6. The “No Eating” Rule in Uniform
If you were wearing the iconic Jills uniform, you were essentially in a “fasting state.” The rules regarding food consumption were incredibly strict to maintain the image of the organization.
- Public Perception: Cheerleaders were told never to eat in uniform unless it was pre-arrange. If offered food at a charity event, they had to decline politely without saying, “We aren’t allow to eat.”
- No Smoking or Drinking: While in uniform or at an event, smoking or drinking alcohol was strictly prohibited, as it was considered “conduct unbecoming of a Jill.”
7. Draconian “Fraternization” Bans
To avoid scandals, the Buffalo Bills implemented a strict no-fraternization policy between the cheerleaders and the players.
- Player Distance: If a cheerleader saw a player at a restaurant or bar, she was often expect to leave immediately to avoid any “perception of impropriety.”
- Social Media: Cheerleaders were barred from posting photos of themselves in uniform on their personal social media, and they certainly couldn’t interact with the players online.
8. Pay-to-Play: The Financial Burden
Perhaps the most “insane” part of the NFL cheerleader experience was that the women often ended up losing money to be on the squad.
- Uniform Costs: Some cheerleaders had to pay over $600 for their own uniforms.
- Appearance Fees: While the team made millions, the Jills were often classified as independent contractors. Many reported earning as little as $100 to $400 for an entire season, despite working hundreds of hours in practice and appearances.
- Calendar Sales: They were often require to purchase a certain number of their own swimsuit calendars to sell, and if they didn’t sell them, they were stuck with the cost.
9. The “Always On” Public Behavior
The handbook made it clear that even when a cheerleader was not at the stadium or in uniform, she was still under the watchful eye of the organization.
- Public Dress Code: Even on their days off, if there was a chance they might be recognize, they were discourage from wearing sweatpants or looking “sloppy” in public.
- The “Mirror” Test: They were constantly remind that their actions reflected the Buffalo Bills brand, and any slip-up—even a private one—could result in immediate dismissal.
Why the Buffalo Jills Disbanded
The weight of these rules finally became too much in 2014. Five former cheerleaders filed a lawsuit for wage theft and “degrading” treatment. They argued that they were being treat as employees but paid like volunteers—or less.
In a shock move, the Buffalo Bills suspend the Jills’ operations two days after the lawsuit was file. To this day, the Bills remain one of the few NFL teams without an official cheerleading squad. In 2022, the case was finally settled for $7.5 million, a massive victory for the women who fought against these insane regulations.