PERK: The teams often pose for calendar shots, which are then sold as fundraisers. Cheerleaders are able to pocket the profits from their personal sales.
PROBLEM: In several cases, the cheerleaders are required to buy the calendars outright, and then keep whatever they make only after they've recouped their costs. If the calendars don't sell, that's money they don't get back.
PERK: Cheerleaders have special significance in the US, where they stand for wholesome beauty and all-American charm.
PROBLEM: Heckling and groping. "Let's be honest. You're an NFL cheerleader and you're standing in front of 10,000 drunk guys all the time," says Gabrielle Montemage, a former Buffalo Jill. She says she never felt like the sexual attention "went too far." Some of the Jills, however, allege that they were forced to work events without proper security and were touched without permission.
PERK: Cheerleaders are considered ambassadors for the team within the community. Montemage considers it a point of pride that she was able to work closely with the Make A Wish Foundation, and that she got to travel to Iraq to entertain US troops
PROBLEM: A certain number of volunteer gigs are often required, and as the name implies, unpaid.
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