'Unbelievably sexist' Oakland Raiders' leaked cheerleading handbook teaches squad how to eat in public, keep the perfect manicure - and avoid a 'date rape' scandal



The 'etiquette guide' was leaked amid a lawsuit filed by cheerleaders last week

The lawsuit alleges that Oakland Raiderettes are paid well under the national minimum wage

A leaked version of the Oakland Raiders’ cheerleading squad handbook has been labeled as ‘unbelievably sexist’ and ‘illegal’.

Excerpts from the secret etiquette handbook were obtained and published by The Los Angeles Times, many of which outline how ‘Raiderettes’ must behave while eating in public and socializing with team players.

Criticized for being more concerned with the Raiderette’s reputations than their safety, the handbook outlines rules for fraternizing with advice on how to avoid getting caught in a ‘date rape’ scandal – rather than how to avoid the assault itself.

Strict code: A handbook provided to the Oakland Raiders' 'Raiderette' cheerleading squad has been leaked, and subsequently called-out for its 'unbelievably sexist' rules In excerpts published by the paper, the squad handbook’s dating advice reads: ‘There have been a few relationships between the two groups that have resulted in a few happy marriages and lovely children. HOWEVER, we have also had more situations where, quite frankly, the Raider organization and the Raiderettes narrowly escaped ruined reputations.’

It continues: ‘One such example concerns a player who gave Halloween parties every year and many of the Raiderettes attended. This same player was suspended from the team for drug use but also arrested for date rape. For you on the squad who have attended those parties, just think how narrowly you missed having your photo in all the local papers and/or being assaulted.’

Of this, feminist-geared website Jezebel commented: ‘The [handbook’s] advice within is so obvious and condescending that it would really only be appropriate when attempting to advise an alien from outer space on how to act human.’

Salon.com has a similar outlook, and has labelled the etiquette guide as ‘unbelievably sexist’.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Raiders are one of the few NFL teams that allows dating among cheerleaders and players. But they do strongly discourage it, even threatening in the guide: ‘Some teams who previously had cheerleaders do not now have them (Chicago Bears). Because of morality problems with their squads, they decided cheerleaders were too much trouble to deal with.’

'The handbook’s advice is so obvious and condescending that it would really only be appropriate when attempting to advise an alien from outer space'

It also includes lines like, ‘There’s not a female alive (or male either) who doesn’t like attention. But you need to learn to deal with attention you receive from the public (and especially the players) without it getting out of hand and going to your head.’

The handbook advises the cheerleaders to find out if players are married before becoming their friends, saying that many will 'lie' about their marital status and that it is the Raiderette's job to find out the truth.

Appearance is also one of the handbook's main topics.

Cheerleaders are told to always be ready to make a lasting first impression by maintaining their appearance – a stipulation that includes a perfect manicure.

Raiderettes are instructed to keep nail polish remover pads in their cars in case of emergency.

Aside from cheering at home games, Raiderettes are expected to make multiple personal appearances each season – some of which may involve eating an unsavory meal.

In these cases the squad is advised: ‘If you don’t like your meal, try a little of everything and strategically move the rest around your plate.’

War of wages: A rookie cheerleader known as 'Lacy T' has filed a suit against the team on her squad's behalf, claiming that its cheerleaders are paid less than $5 per hour

Outlines for Raiderette salaries are also included in the guide, requiring cheerleaders to sign a contract that, according to squad members, makes them accept a wage that does not meet government-regulated hourly minimums - a payment that prompted a rookie Raiderette known as ‘Lacy T’ to file a lawsuit against the team’s owners last week on the squad’s behalf.

'Just think how narrowly you missed having your photo in all the local papers and/or being assaulted'

According to the suit, Raiderettes are paid less than the government minimum. Dancers must attend practice three times per week, cheer at ten seasonal home games, conduct multiple personal appearances, and travel for special photo shoots.

They are only paid for their appearances at games, at $125 per match – adding up to a total of $1,250 in seasonal earnings.

When taking all of the unpaid practices, appearances, and additional time into account, Lacy T has estimated that she and her squad members are paid less than $5 an hour.

Her legal counsel has pointed out that it against the law to make dancers sign an already-illegal contract.

It is also unlawful to only pay the dancers at the end of the season, rather than in incremental amounts.