A bat-shit crazy handbook, which advised US cheerleaders on everything, like how and when to wash their private parts, how to correctly cut meat, and what tampons should be used, has just been leaked online.
The manual, which was dolled out to the cheerleaders by their employers at the NFL team, Buffalo Bills, has been made public after the squad announced that they will be going on strike on Thursday. Five former members of the cheerleading squad are taking the NFL team to court, claiming that they haven’t been paid for work during the 2012 and 2013 season. The five girls also claim they were subjected to humiliating ‘jiggle tests’ to see how fit they were and were told to sit on men’s laps.
The instructions – which cheerleaders must subscribe to at all times, even after work - include some of these gems…
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Do not be overly opinionated about anything. Do not complain about anything – ever hang out with a whiner? It's exhausting and boring.
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Use 'Oh my goodness' rather than 'Oh my GOD'.
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Do not consume conversations and watch body language. Be aware of female companions and children. Always turn the conversation back to the other person. Never flirt!
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Always say 'excuse me' when you burp, sneeze or cough. Even if you think there isn't anyone around.
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Always avoid:
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-Politics
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-Religion
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-Sexual references
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-Talking 'about last night'
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-Don't try to talk about your personal life – job, boyfriends, what you're doing later, etc…
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-Inappropriate jokes
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-Strong opinions
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-Gossip
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-Saying 'I' or 'me' too often
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Wash hands often to prevent spread of viruses
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Remove make-up every night before going to bed!
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Make-up left in the creases of your skin creates early wrinkles
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ALWAYS shower after a workout and change undergarments
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Try to cough or sneeze into your arm, not your hand. If you use your hand, wash immediately
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When menstruating, use a product that 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 can be changed at least every four hours. Except when sleeping, they can be left in for the night.
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When cutting meat. Never cut the full piece of meat all at once. Cut as you go, American-style (cut and switch fork to right hand to eat) or European-style (keeping fork in left hand to eat) eating is acceptable.
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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.
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Never debate politics, religion or any other sensitive issues while dining.
Yeah. Those. They don't really need much commentary, do they?
Instead, let's leave it in the words of one of the striking cheerleaders, Alyssa U, 'We were the laughing stock of NFL cheerleaders. We deserve to be compensated just like everyone else.'
Follow Sophie on Twitter @sophiecullinane
Picture: Getty
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.