Do you have what it takes to be in the DCC? Season two of the Netflix documentary series America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders premiered on June 18, and we feel a little bit less envious of the country's most famous cheerleaders with every new episode. Along with having to follow a rigorous rehearsal schedule and memorize countless routines to keep the masses entertained, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders also have a number of rules and etiquette they're expected to uphold once they officially make the squad and strap on their cowboy boots.
Ahead, we've compiled a list of their rules, including some of the original guidelines from the 1970s and some regulations that are still causing a bit of contention in the latest season.
america's sweethearts: dallas cowboys cheerleaders season 2. cr. courtesy of netflix © 2025
Netflix
Former Director Suzanne Mitchell’s 1970's era rule book reads more like a horror novel, the jump-scare written in all-caps: "NO GUM, CANDY, SOFT DRINKS, ETC. ARE ALLOWED IN THE STUDIO. CANDY IS FATTENING & GUM IS UNLADYLIKE."
In a slightly calmer tone, Mitchell also included, "Excessive intake of water during any rehearsal is not permitted," which, given the baking Texas climate, seems a bit intense.
Current Director Kelli's rule book was shown in season one, and includes following a “proper diet.” In her book, this means taking vitamins, eating a healthy breakfast, drinking 8 glasses of water a day, and not eating after 6:00 p.m. Her philosophy towards water consumption seems far healthier.
A longstanding rule is that you can't appear anywhere alcohol is served or attend parties. Though it may sound like one of Mitchell’s demands from the 1970’s, the New York Times reported on it in 2018.
You must say "yes ma'am," and mind your P’s and Q’s. This is Texas, after all.
You have to look "well-proportioned" in dance wear.
There is to be no posting of "provocative pictures" on Instagram.
arlington, tx january 05: the dallas cowboys cheerleaders cheer during the game between the dallas cowboys and the washington commanders on january 5, 2025 at att stadium in arlington, texas. (photo by matthew pearce/icon sportswire via getty images)
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8. The rulebook shown in season two requires that you "give every living creature you meet a smile." That might be the toughest one yet.
9. You can’t gain weight. This is a current rule, we heard Victoria Kalina mention in America’s Sweethearts that, "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?'"
10. Dating NFL players is strictly prohibited. Former cheerleader Dana Presley Kilmer disclosed that there was "no fraternizing with the players—not dating the players, you just couldn't even be around the players."
11. In the early days, the squad was not allowed to go out in jeans.
12. You can't bring strangers into a group setting. This was made clear in season two when cheerleader Chandi Dayle met someone on the Bahamas trip and allowed him to come back to a shared hotel room. The other girls did not feel safe, and her decision went against the DCC's guidelines about disclosing the team's whereabouts and personal information while traveling.
13. What happens on the team stays on the team, not on social media. Cheerleader KayDianna Davis was suspended for vaguely mentioning the Chandi scandal on TikTok live.
arlington, tx november 10: the dallas cowboys cheerleaders perform during the game between the dallas cowboys and the philadelphia eagles on november 10, 2024 at att stadium in arlington, texas. (photo by matthew pearce/icon sportswire via getty images)
Icon Sportswire//Getty Images
14. You must "wear shades that complement your natural beauty" AKA, no outlandish makeup.
15. "Loud/bright" cheek and lip colors should be avoided in favor of "vibrant neutral tones."
16. Cheerleaders should “choose mostly mattes for eye shadows" and "avoid a very glittery look."
17. Dancers are told to "avoid false eyelashes that are very solid or very long, as they can make eyes appear heavy and too dark."
america's sweethearts: dallas cowboys cheerleaders season 2. cr. courtesy of netflix © 2025
Netflix
18. Don’t go crazy with contour or highlighter and avoid spray tans with "orange tones."
19. No visible tattoos, preferably, none at all.
20. No pouting or whining.
21. You need to be in full hair and makeup every day.
22. Only tiny, tiny pearl or diamond stud earrings are allowed, no other jewelry.
23. You can't miss rehearsal, ever.
24. If you’re late, you will sit out of the game.
Turns out being one of America's Sweethearts isn't for the weak! To see the DCC Rule Book play out in real time, America's Sweethearts is streaming now on Netflix.