In Germany, most grassroots sport happens in a Verein – a non-profit, member-run club. At Roter Stern you don’t buy a subscription: you become part of a community that belongs to everyone who takes part. Here’s what makes a club different from a gym or a martial arts school, and what membership means for you.
A registered club (eingetragener Verein, e. V.) is a group of people pursuing a shared goal – for us: solidarity sports for all of Berlin. Three things define it:
A club has no owners and no investors. It belongs to the people who are members – and they decide together where it goes.
Our club is officially recognised as a charitable non-profit. No profits are paid out to individuals – the club’s money may only be used for its purpose: sport, training, community.
Coaching, organising tournaments, coordinating groups, making decisions: a lot of club life is volunteer work – by members, for members.
You can train in lots of places. The difference isn’t so much the sport itself – it’s who owns the offer, and who decides.
| A sports club like Roter Stern | Gym | Commercial martial arts school | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who owns it? | All members, together | A company or chain | Usually the owner |
| What are you? | A member – with rights, a voice and responsibility | A customer with a contract | A customer or student with a contract |
| Who decides? | The general assembly – that’s all of you | The company | The school’s management |
| Where does the money go? | Only into the club’s purpose: sport, training, equipment, projects | Into running the business and profit | Into running the business and the owners’ income |
| Who sets the fee? | The general assembly – with reduced rates | The provider | The provider |
| Who coaches you? | Coaches from within the club, often volunteers | Employed or freelance trainers | The owner or employed trainers |
| What else is there? | Community, parties, projects, shared values | Mainly training and service | Mainly classes |
Sure, there are plenty of good commercial offers, often run by committed people. A club isn’t automatically better – but it works on a different principle: shared, not bought.
As a member you’re not a customer – you’re part of the club. That comes with rights, and a little responsibility.
Democracy isn’t just a buzzword for us – it’s written into our statutes. This is how the levels fit together:
1
The club’s highest body. At least once a year, members decide on the fundamentals here: statutes, fees and electing the board.
2
Elected by the general assembly, it carries out its decisions, represents the club and reports back to the assembly.
3
Sports groups generally run their own sporting and organisational matters. In the council they connect with the board and the advisory board.
4
Bring in ideas, take on a task, submit a motion: co-determination starts with you – as much as fits your life right now.
Your membership fee isn’t the price of a service – it’s your share in something we do together. The general assembly sets it, and it goes into the club’s purpose: sports equipment, training for coaches, neighbourhood sport, projects and everything that keeps the club running. So that money is never the reason someone can’t play, there are reduced rates.
Plus a one-time €10 admission fee. Set by the general assembly.
Give it a try: on request, you can train with us for free up to four times within four weeks. After that you become a member – and help shape Roter Stern.
Search, FAQ & shop 🔎 Find anything on our website here – plus answers about membership and our members’ shop.
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