10 Rules Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Have to Follow (Even Before They Make the Team)

Since their inception in the 1970s, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) have upheld a set of strict and often controversial rules that define their identity and ensure they maintain their status as “America’s Sweethearts.” These rules cover everything from their physical appearance to their behavior off the field. Whether you’re a hopeful looking to join or just a fan of the iconic squad, here’s a glimpse at the rigorous standards the cheerleaders must adhere to—sometimes even before they make the team.

1. Strict Audition Requirements

Before even considering joining the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, hopefuls must meet specific age and experience criteria. All applicants must be at least 18 years old by the time the preliminary auditions begin. Though there is no maximum age limit, the audition process is intense. Participants must submit a headshot, full-length photo, a 20-second intro video, and a dance video that showcases their technique. They must demonstrate impressive dance skills, high kicks, splits, poise, energy, enthusiasm, and a high level of showmanship. A written test assessing knowledge of the Cowboys and football is also part of the process, as the team values cheerleaders who can not only perform but also represent the team intelligently.

2. Mandatory Rehearsals and Attendance

Once selected, cheerleaders are required to attend rehearsals, which occur two to five times a week leading up to the NFL season. These rehearsals are critical, and attendance is non-negotiable. The DCC website even emphasizes that candidates who cannot commit to the rehearsal schedule should reconsider their pursuit of the role. The commitment extends to participation in media interviews, cheer camps, and other team-related events. For elite dancers, the Show Group—composed of 12 standout cheerleaders—also has extra weekend rehearsals.

3. Maintain a Certain Body Shape

While the DCC website no longer explicitly lists weight requirements, there is a significant emphasis on being “well-proportioned” in dancewear. In the past, the DCC imposed strict weight mandates, and cheerleaders faced regular weigh-ins. The team’s leadership would sometimes circle certain body parts in photos to suggest where changes were necessary. Though the weight requirements have softened in recent years, the pressure to maintain a particular figure remains an unwritten rule, with cheerleaders required to maintain a slim and toned appearance.

4. Hair Must Always Be Styled

For DCC cheerleaders, their appearance is everything—even down to their hair. No matter the situation, cheerleaders must wear their hair down during rehearsals and performances. Known as “hairography,” the DCC dances often incorporate the dramatic movement of hair, adding an extra flair to their routines. Whether short or long, hair must always look glamorous, with a current style that complements their public persona. The team has its own official salon, Tangerine, where cheerleaders go year-round to maintain their look.

5. Neutral, Natural Makeup

To maintain a wholesome, “all-American” image, DCC cheerleaders are required to wear makeup that is neutral and natural. For auditions, they are encouraged to use matte eyeshadows, subtle cheek colors, and natural lip shades. Red lips and nails are prohibited once a cheerleader is on the squad, and long, thick false eyelashes are not allowed. The goal is to create a polished but natural look that enhances the cheerleaders’ features without being overdone.

6. Uniforms Must Be Returned After Each Season

DCC uniforms are considered the property of the Dallas Cowboys, and they must be returned before the final auditions for the following season. The strict rules surrounding the uniforms were heightened in the 1980s after a scandal involving a cheerleader posing in a branded T-shirt for Playboy. To prevent such incidents, uniforms are signed in and out, ensuring they remain in the right hands at all times.

7. Hosiery Must Be Sheer and Skin-Toned

Though the DCC provides cheerleaders with basic uniforms and rehearsal gear, they are expected to supply their own hosiery. The hosiery must be skin-toned, sheer, and not visible outside of the uniform. This requirement ensures that the look remains natural and consistent across the squad, maintaining the polished appearance that has become synonymous with the DCC.

8. A Clean and Wholesome Appearance Off the Field

The DCC’s public image goes beyond game day, with strict rules governing their behavior off the field. They are expected to maintain a “wholesome” and professional appearance, whether in public or on social media. This includes rules on how to dress and behave off the clock, including avoiding revealing clothing and prohibitions on chewing gum or being seen with alcohol in public. For many years, cheerleaders were also not allowed to wear jeans in public or curlers in their hair.

9. Cheerleaders Cannot Fraternize with Players

One of the most famous rules of the DCC is that cheerleaders are not allowed to fraternize with players, coaches, staff, or journalists. This rule has been in place since the early days of the squad, and its intent was to maintain the mystique and aura of the cheerleaders as an elite group. The rule, which extends to dating, was so ingrained that it was often not even written down but known as a longstanding DCC tradition.

10. Strict Pay Schedule

Though the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are a highly visible and popular group, their compensation has historically been modest. In the past, cheerleaders earned as little as $15 per home game in 1977. Today, they are paid on a schedule for rehearsals, home football games, promotional appearances, and shows. They reportedly earn about $12 an hour, with an additional $400 on game days. While the pay is better than it once was, it still doesn’t match the level of compensation seen in many other professional sports roles.

These strict rules reflect the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ commitment to maintaining an image of perfection, discipline, and professionalism. While some may argue that the standards are outdated or overly harsh, for many cheerleaders, the opportunity to be part of the iconic squad is a dream that comes with unparalleled prestige. The DCC remains one of the most recognizable cheerleading teams in the world, and the rules they follow continue to shape their legacy both on and off the field.