MASON CITY, IA - Mason City cheerleaders are trying to keep it clean when it comes to outfits and routines. Local cheerleader coach Donna McKay says there is some pressure from pop culture to make costumes sexier, or routines more scandalous.Recently several Connecticut cheerleaders claimed their outfits were too skimpy. Their midriffs were showing, causing body image issues for the girls.
McKay says the Iowa National Federation Spirit Rules are keeping their leaders appropriate.
"It just comes down to these are high school students we don't want them to be portrayed as, this is a sexual thing, that they're doing, it's an athletic event."
The Iowa rule book says that midriffs can't be showing when the student’s arms are at their side. At Mason City High School they are also making cheerleading a more athletic event like track or basketball.
