The GoldbergUllrich Seal for Associations is awarded by our firm to non-profit organizations, associations, sports clubs and societies. The prerequisite for the award of the seal is the successful audit of an Internet site. The certification is intended to reduce the liability risk for the responsible persons, most of whom act on a voluntary basis.
Requirements for the Website Audit:
1. Non-profit organizations, federations, sports clubs, or associations must be members of their respective umbrella organizations (e.g., Municipal Sports Federations, Gymnastics and Sports Federations LBS). These umbrella organizations have each entered into a framework agreement with us for the audit of their members' websites. Numerous federations and club organizations have already concluded such agreements. Therefore, please first inquire with the federation responsible for your organization.
2. The umbrella organization responsible for the non-profit organization, federation, sports club, or association will forward the request to us after verifying membership and non-profit status. Please note that the request will be processed solely and exclusively within the scope of the agreement established with the umbrella organization.
Audit Process and Scope:
Depending on the specific agreement in place, the audit is generally conducted as follows:
1. The website at the specified URL is audited by GoldbergUllrich Attorneys:
- All information required under the TMG (e.g., legal notice/imprint)
- All information required under the RStV
- Technical and legal compliance of newsletter operations – including test subscriptions
- Adherence to the principle of segregation
2. Following the audit, the audited organization receives an audit report via email and must implement the stipulated requirements within four weeks.
3. The non-profit association/organization receives a comprehensive guideline for website design and maintenance, which also covers the management of third-party rights, the integration of photographs, and the handling of cease and desist letters.
4. The organization/association notifies us via email of the implementation of the audit report's recommendations.
5. GoldbergUllrich Attorneys at Law conduct a final re-examination of the site for compliance with the audit points listed under 1. and in the audit report.
6. Should the audit conclude without further objections, the audited association is entitled and obliged to implement the Seal of approval provided to it on the "Impressum" or "Provider Identification" page within four weeks at the latest, and to link it as specified.
The audit scope does not include:
Online shops, booking systems for events or sports facilities, General Terms and Conditions, competitions and their terms of participation, press law content and its admissibility, association statutes, retrievable documents, particularly for establishing memberships, donation appeals, donation receipts, contact forms including privacy policies, general data protection notices, examination of copyrights, especially photographs, directions, maps, and other media, periodic re-audits, the actual details of the association (association registration number, VAT identification numbers, addresses, names and their correct spelling, telephone and email addresses, information on corporate tax exemption, etc.).
