Sports

Buffalo Jills: No more jiggle tests, more money!

Rachel Stoltzfoos Staff Reporter
Font Size:

Buffalo Bills cheerleaders are fed up and will be making no appearances at games this year. They say they’re overworked, subject to groping and sexual comments at mandatory appearances and even had to take a “jiggle test” for their boss.

The announcement came today just days after five former cheerleaders sued the company and the team for an unspecified amount of backpay and legal fees. A quick look at Jill’s Glamour Etiquette Hygiene Rules explains a lot.

“When menstruating, use a product that’s right for your menstrual flow,” reads the “General hygiene & lady body maintenance” section of the handbook given to cheerleaders. “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 4 hours. Except when sleeping, they can be left in for the night.”

Other hygiene requirements:

7. ALWAYS shower after a work out and change undergarments.

13. Clean/rinse razor often while shaving. Especially after going to a new “area”. Change razors often, they harbor bacteria.

16. Wash your feet daily ! This will help control foot odor & keep fungus from developing in toenails. Cotton socks also help with odor. Nylons and nylon socks create sweaty feet which creates odor.

Assorted etiquette requirements:

6. Soupspoon. Dip the spoon into the soup, moving it away from the body, until it is about two-thirds full, then sip the liquid, without slurping, from the side of the spoon without inserting the whole spoon into the mouth. This prevents soup from being spilled onto your clothes.

10. Bread. Should be torn to eat and/or butter, not cut with a knife. Do not overeat bread at a formal setting.

18. Do not use slang in conversations. Never use words/phrases such as: “like,” “I seen it,” “You’s guys”, “dude”, “them guys” “pee” & “ain’t”.

19. Use “Oh My Goodness” rather than “Oh my GOD”.

21. Always stand and move around unless the appearance calls for sitting.

And how to talk to disabled people:

1. Speak directly rather than through a companion or sign language interpreter who may be present.

2. See a person with a disability first, not an illness, a tragedy an object of pity nor a saint who’s never allowed to express negative emotions.

They also had to endure mandatory events, such as The Jills Annual Golf Tournament, where select Jills were required to wear a bikini, go into a dunk tank, and also be auctioned off “like prizes.” While serving as a “bought person” they were subjected to additional demeaning treatment,” reads the  lawsuit, “including degrading sexual comments and inappropriate touching.”

And then there was the jiggle test. From the lawsuit:

62. In addition, the Jills were subjected to weekly “physique evaluations” during which defendants’ representatives tested the Jills’ bodies for “jiggling.” During the “Jiggle Test” defendants scrutinized the women’s stomach, arms, legs, hips, and butt while she does jumping jacks. The physique evaluations largely determine whether or not any particular Jill would be allowed to perform at the Bills’ next home game. Jills that failed to meet defendants’ physical standards received warnings, and in some cases were penalized, suspended or dismissed.

All these rules and requirements are simply ridiculous and it’s pretty clear why these former Jills are suing.