Die Geocaching-Guidelines haben sich mit dem Update vom 24.04.2012 geändert. Teilweise sind es nur Wort-Änderungen oder dezente Umformulierungen.
Ich habe die alte und die neue Fassung mal gegenübergestellt. Hierbei beschränkte ich mich auf die Teile/Sätze in denen es auch wirklich Änderungen gab. Infos zum sonstigen Update finden sich hier.

Die (meiner Meinung nach) wichtigsten und nennenswerten Änderungen habe ich mit einem roten Ausrufezeichen am rechten Seitenrand markiert. Alternativ einfach auf die rechte Spalte achten. Viel Kommentartext ist hier der Indikator. Aber auch in Kommentaren ohne Ausrufezeichen finden sich evtl. interessante Dinge oder weiteführende Links mit Verknüpfungen zu aktuellen Themen.
Die Kommentare, Erläuterungen und Interpretationen sind rein subjektiv und stellen keine abschließende/endgültige Betrachtung dar!
Vielleicht schreibt Groundspeak ja noch einen Dreizeiler in den Update-Release-Notes im eigenen Support-Forum zur Erläuterung.

Die komplette Version auf groundspeak.com (aktuell / 24.04. nach dem Update): Link
Die in den Guidelines enthaltene Grafik (Erläuterung der Abstandsregelungen) hat sich nach der bisherigen Überprüfung nicht geändert.

Auszüge(Zitate) der geänderten Abschnitte / Sätze:
(Abschnitte oder Sätze die keiner Änderung unterliegen/unterlagen sind hier ggf. auch nicht zitiert! Die komplette Version der gültigen Regeln findest Du unter obigen Link auf groundspeak.com.)

Bisher (abgerufen 21. April 22:31 Uhr GMT)	nach dem Update (24.04.2012 22:15 Uhr MESZ)	subjektive Interpretation / Kommentierung
1. Placement Guidelines: governing physical locations 1.1. Fundamental Placement Guidelines
2. Obtain the landowner’s and/or land manager’s permission before you hide any geocache, whether placed on private or public property. By submitting a geocache listing, you assure us that you have adequate permission to hide your cache in the selected location. If you are given permission to place a cache on private property, indicate this on the cache page for the benefit of the reviewer and those seeking the cache.	2. You assure us that you have the landowner’s and/or land manager’s permission before you hide any geocache, whether placed on private or public property. By submitting a cache listing, you assure us that you have adequate permission to hide your cache in the selected location. If you have permission to place a cache on private property, indicate this on the cache listing for the benefit of the reviewer and those seeking the cache.	Statt eine Erlaubnis „zu erhalten“ (um die man sich ja als Owner selbst kümmern muss)  muss man diese Erlaubnis nun „sicherstellen“ (Also sicherstellen das man als Owner eine Erlaubnis hat.)
In the case of public property, contact the agency or association that manages the land to obtain permission. Worldwide, there are many agencies and organizations that regulate geocaching on lands they manage. As the cache owner you are responsible for determining who to contact to obtain permission.	In the case of public property, permission can often be obtained from the agency or association that manages the land. Worldwide, there are many such agencies and organizations that regulate geocaching on their managed land. As the cache owner you are responsible for determining who to contact to obtain permission.	Jetzt soll man von der Behörde/dem Landeigentümer nicht nur ein Erlaubnis erhalten sondern es wurde ausdrücklich der Bezug auf die Kontaktaufnahme mit der Behörde/dem Landeigentümer mit hinzugenommen.
Even if you are certain that geocaching is permitted on a particular public property, ensure that you have followed any and all requirements established by the land owner or land management agency before placing the cache. There may be places or situations inappropriate for a cache, even though not prohibited by local laws.	Even if you are certain that geocaching is permitted on particular public property, ensure that you have followed any and all requirements established by the land owner or land management agency before placing the cache. There may be locations in which cache hides are inappropriate, even though not prohibited by local laws.
3. Geocaches are never buried. If a shovel, trowel or other pointy object is used to dig or break ground, whether in order to hide or to find the cache, then it is not permitted.	3. Geocaches are never buried. If one has to dig or break ground to hide or to find the cache, then the cache is not permitted.	Vereinheitlichung des Verbotes Geocaches zu „vergraben“, anstelle der bildhaften Erläuterungen. Hierzu zählt auch das „Aufbrechen“ des Bodens! Vermutlich sind damit in den Boden eingelassene Caches gemeint, bei der der Suchende selbst nicht mehr graben muss, wohl aber der Owner zum platzieren.
4. Geocache placements do not deface or destroy public or private property. Geocaches are placed so that the surrounding environment is safe from both intentional or unintentional harm. Keep both natural and human-made objects safe. No object or property may be altered to provide a hiding place, clue, or means of logging a find.	4. Geocache placements do not damage, deface or destroy public or private property. Caches are placed so that the surrounding environment, whether natural or human-made, is safe from intentional or unintentional harm. Property must not be damaged or altered to provide a hiding place, clue, or means of logging a find.
5. Wildlife is not harmed in the pursuit of geocaching. Geocaches are placed so that plant and animal life are safe from both intentional and unintentional harm. In some regions geocaching activity may need to cease for portions of the year.	5. Wildlife and the natural environment are not harmed in the pursuit of geocaching. Geocaches are placed so that plant and animal life are safe from both intentional and unintentional harm. In some regions geocaching activity may need to cease for portions of the year due to sensitivity of some species.	Wildtiere und die naturelle/natürliche Umgebung sollen/dürfen nicht durchs Geocaching beschädigt/verletzt werden und die Beschränkung der Aktivitäten in bestimmten Saisonen wurde ergänzt mit dem Bezug auf Aktivitäten von bestimmten Tierarten. Ich vermute mal das hier Paarungszeiten, Fledermausschutz u.ä. gemeint sind.
6. Geocaches are not placed on school property or military bases. Many primary, middle and secondary schools, as well as most military bases do not allow geocaching within their borders. Further, it is inadvisable to place geocaches near schools or military bases as the borders shown on a map may be inaccurate. Geocachers who are actively searching for a cache are likely to arouse suspicion in such environments, and we want to avoid this situation.	6. Geocaches are not placed on school properties or military installations. Generally, schools and the military do not allow geocaching on their property. Further, you should not place geocaches near schools or military installations, as the borders shown on a map may be inaccurate. A cache and geocachers searching for a cache around schools or military installations are likely to arouse suspicion, which may result in a military or local law enforcement response. The costs of any such response are entirely the cache owner’s responsibility. See more about other inappropriate placements here.	Vereinheitlichung der Schuldefinition. Hinweis darauf das Geocaching in der Nähe von Schulen und Militäranlagen verdächtig wirken kann und polizeiliche/militärische (Verfolgungs/Strafverfolgungs)Einsätze/Maßnahmen nach sich zeiehen kann. Die Kosten für solche Maßnahmen sind laut diesen Regeln und nach dem Willen Groundspeaks dem Owner anzulasten. Meine Meinung: Einerseits gut, das Kosten erwähnt werden, obwohl fraglich ist ob die die selbst nicht von sich aus an sowas denken dies hier auch lesen. Andererseits gehören immer zwei dazu. Einer der versteckt (und damit natürlich suchende Cacher anlockt) und einer aktiv aus eigenem Antrieb heraus auf eigene Verantwortung diesen sucht. Bloß weil „irgendwo“ ein Geocache liegt entbindet das den Suchenden ja nicht davon, sich an Gesetze zu halten oder seinen Verstand nicht mehr zu benutzen. Beispiel: Wenn ich einen Autounfall baue kann ich ja auch nicht sagen, der Autohersteller ist schuld, das ich über rot gefahren bin. Der Autohersteller „stellt mir zwar das Auto zur Verfügung“, gefahren bin aber immer noch ich selbst, ob die Bremsen nun eine Rolle spielen oder nicht (Der Fahrer ist für den Verkehrstüchtigen Zustand seines Wagens verantwortlich.).
7. Physical elements of different geocaches should generally be at least 0.10 miles apart. This separation is 528 ft or 161 m. A physical stage is defined as any stage that contains a physical element placed by the geocache owner, such as a container or a tag with the next set of coordinates. Non-physical caches or stages including reference points, trailhead/parking coordinates and/or a question to answer waypoints are exempt from this guideline. Additionally, within a single multi-cache or mystery/puzzle cache, there is no minimum required distance between physical elements. The graphic below shows a few examples of what is and is not acceptable in terms of geocache saturation. EarthCaches are exempt from this guideline.	7. Physical elements of different geocaches should be at least 0.10 miles (528 ft or 161 m) apart. A physical stage is defined as any waypoint that contains a physical element placed by the cache owner, such as a container or a tag with the next set of coordinates. Non-physical caches or stages, including reference points, trail-head/parking coordinates and/or a question to answer waypoints, are exempt from this guideline. Additionally, within a single multi-cache or mystery/puzzle cache, there is no minimum required distance between physical elements. The graphic below shows a few examples of what is and is not acceptable in terms of cache saturation. EarthCaches are exempt from this guideline as they do not have physical waypoints.	Detailliertere Definition, aber im Sinne unverändert.
Please don’t hide a cache every 600 feet just because you can. The two main goals of the saturation guideline are to encourage you to seek out new places to hide caches rather than putting them in areas where caches already exist, and to limit the number of caches hidden in a particular area, especially by the same hider. Groundspeak may further restrict cache listings in areas where cache saturation becomes a concern.	Groundspeak may further restrict cache listings in areas where cache saturation becomes a concern.	Vereinfachung der „Cachesättigungs“-„Regel“, wenn man es so nennen will, da diese sonst vermutlich irgendwann Anwendung finden müsste und Caches die unabsichtlich unter die Regelung fallen dann vermutlich ins Archiv wandern würden. Könnte man zwar auch wie bisher mit dem Augenmaß der Reviewer regeln, aber gut, so ist es einfacher. Dies lässt aber auch mehr Interpretationsspielraum und somit Groundspeak oder den Reviewern mehr Handlungsspielraum, in die eine wie in die andere Richtung. Ob sich Powerta-Owner/Liebhaber nun freuen dürfen da ja insbesondere das „limit the number of caches hidden in a particular area, especially by the same hider.“ rausgeflogen ist wird abzuwarten sein. Schade ist, dass das Suchen neuer Locations auch entfernt wurde. War ja mal der Grundgedanke. Gut, die Morsixregeln (Link) beschränken sich ja auch nicht nur auf die Location, sondern beinhalten ja auch Gestaltung des Versteckes/Containers, etc…
8. Geocaches are allowed in space, other planets and spacecraft. We publish cache listings in outer space such as in the International Space Station or on Mars. Make sure you can land or connect to the space station/planet for it to be acceptable as a listing. Keep in mind, however, that due to the saturation guideline you can’t place another cache on the ISS since one is already listed there.	8. Geocaches are allowed in space, on other planets and in spacecraft. We have published and will continue to publish cache listings in outer space, such as in the International Space Station or on Mars.	Das ISS-Beispiel (das dort schon ein Cache liegt) ist weg, ansonsten einfach nur vereinfacht. 🙂
1.2. Other Placement Considerations
1. Select an appropriate location and container. Think about how your container and the actions of geocachers seeking it will be perceived by the public. Although your geocache will be hidden with landowner permission, concerned passersby who are unaware of geocaching may view people searching the property as suspicious. For example, a geocacher will likely be wrongly suspected of being malicious if a cache is hidden in full view of an office or apartment windows. Containers that could be perceived as a bomb or another dangerous item should not be placed. Geocachers have received fines for such placements and as the geocache owner you are responsible for any repercussions of your cache and its placement. Groundspeak is unwilling to accept liability for individual cache placements. More details can be found in our disclaimer. To reduce the risk of your cache being perceived as dangerous by non-geocachers, and being permanently archived by Groundspeak, use common sense when selecting hiding places and containers.	1. Select an appropriate location and container. Think about how your container and the actions of geocachers seeking it will be perceived by the public. Although your cache will be hidden with landowner or land manager permission, concerned passersby who are unaware of geocaching, may view people searching the property as suspicious. Containers that could be perceived as a bomb or another dangerous item should not be placed. To reduce the risk of your cache being perceived as dangerous by non-geocachers, and being permanently archived by Groundspeak, use common sense when selecting hiding places and containers. Please carefully read our Geocaching.com Disclaimer. Groundspeak is not in any way responsible or liable for caches or their placement. All aspects of your cache and its placement are your responsibility, and you may be held liable for any resulting consequences.	Die ersten Absätze wurden nur leicht verändert und kleine Teile vereinfach ausgedrückt. Nr. 2 wurde nicht wirklich verändert. Dazwischen wurde eingefügt das Groundspeak ausdrücklich nicht verantwortlich ist für einen Cache. Es wurde von Groundspeak hier nochmal deutlich geschrieben, das einzig und allein der Owner eines Caches für die Einhaltung der Regeln, die Einholung der Erlaubnis der Landbesitzer, den Cache und sein Versteck verantwortlich ist und auch für mögliche daraus resultierende Konsequenzen gerade stehen soll/muss.
1.3. Inappropriate or Non-publishable Placements
1. If your cache is reported by the land owner or land manager as being an unwanted intrusion, Groundspeak will respect their wishes, support their request and take action.	1. Additional regulations and laws that apply only to your country and region may further restrict cache placement. See Fundamental Placement Guidelines(1 and 2). A cache may be disabled or archived if one or more of the following is true. Please note that the list is not exhaustive; there are many reasons why a cache may be disabled or archived. The cache placement does not meet all the guidelines. If your cache is reported by the land owner or land manager as being an unwanted intrusion, Groundspeak will respect the wishes of the land owner or manager. The cache placement is in an area that is highly sensitive to additional foot and/or vehicular traffic including, but not limited to, archaeological sites, historical sites and cemeteries. Note that some cemeteries permit cache placement. Property is defaced or damaged, or wildlife is harmed or destroyed, either by the hiding or seeking of the cache. The cache is on property belonging to a railroad. In the United States we generally require a distance of 150 ft (46 m) from active tracks. Local laws may vary. The cache is problematic due to its proximity to a public structure, including and not limited to, highway bridges, dams, government buildings, schools and military installations, hospitals, airports and other such locations.	Generell gesehen wanderte die Aufzählung vom Punkt 3 zu Punkt 1. Konkreter betrachtet sind es ein paar kleine Feinheiten wie z.B. der Veränderung in der Fomulierung hier: Wenn ein Landbesitzer/Verwalter Groundspeak auffordert den Cache zu entfernen oder mitteilt das Geocaches auf seinem Gebiet nicht gewünscht sind, dann wird Groundspeak diesen Wunsch respektieren. Inhaltlich gleich geblieben. (Gab es ja erst ein Beispiel dazu von vor ein paar Tagen: Link Dort dann auf den Link vom 24.4 (Artikel vom 23.4.).) Ansonsten gab es ein paar Vereinfachungen/Vereinheitlichungen.
2. Additional regulations and laws that apply only to your country and region may further restrict cache placement. Some park systems also have specific geocaching rules. Local geocaching organizations or your local reviewer are often able to provide information on regional requirements.	2. If your cache is located within one of the areas listed above and you have complied with special regulations by obtaining permission or a permit, please detail this information in a Note to Reviewer on the cache listing, pre-publication. It is also advised that you state permission on the cache page to reassure cachers seeking the cache. Placement does not meet all guidelines. Cache placement is in an area that is highly sensitive to additional foot and vehicular traffic including but not limited to archaeological sites, historical sites and cemeteries. Cache defaces or destroys property (public or private) either in the hiding of or searching for the cache. Cache is near active railroad tracks. In the United States we generally use a distance of 150 ft (46 m) from tracks. Other local laws may vary. Cache is problematic due to its proximity to a public structure including and not limited to highway bridges, dams, government buildings, military bases, schools, hospitals, airports and other such locations.	Hat sich teils einfach nur innerhalb des Abschnittes verschoben.
3. A cache may be disabled or archived if (list is not exhaustive) one or more of the following is true. If your cache is located within one of the areas listed below and you have complied with special regulations by obtaining written permission or a permit, please explain this in a „Note to Reviewer.“	3. Knowledge Book articles about the Review Process outline steps to take if your geocache has been temporarily disabled or archived because it is not publishable. Importantly, please work with the cacher reviewer.	Verweis auf die „Knowledge Book article“ und den wichtigem Hinweis mit dem Reviewer zusammenzuarbeiten.
4. The Review Process outlines steps to take if your geocache has been placed on hold, temporarily disabled or archived.	–	Verschoben bzw. an anderer Stelle zusammengefasst / integriert.
2. Listing Guidelines: for publication on geocaching.com 2.1. Listing Guidelines that Apply to All Geocaches
1. Technical Requirements
1. Listings must contain accurate GPS coordinates. You must visit the geocache site and obtain all the coordinates with a GPS device. GPS usage is an integral and essential element of both hiding and finding geocaches and must be demonstrated for all cache submissions. Projecting waypoints from locations defined by coordinates is permissible. For geocaches that include Additional Waypoints, see the guidelines specific to those cache types.	1. Listings must contain accurate GPS coordinates. You must visit the cache location and obtain the coordinates with a GPS device. GPS usage is an integral and essential element of both hiding and seeking caches and must be demonstrated for all cache submissions. Projecting waypoints from a specific location already defined by set of coordinates is permissible. For geocaches that include additional waypoints see the guidelines specific to those cache types.
2. Geocache listings that require additional website registration, installs or downloads are generally not publishable. Geocache listings that require a geocacher to visit another website will not be published if the finder must create an account with, or provide personal information to, the other website.	2. Geocache listings that require additional website registration, installs or downloads are generally not publishable. Cache listings that require a cacher to visit another website will not be published if the finder must create an account with, or provide personal information to, the other website.
In the interest of file security, caches that require the installing or running of data and/or executables will likely not be published. The use of memory sticks and similar devices is not permitted either.Certain files (specifically .TXT files, .PDFs and all audio files) may be acceptable in the interest of allowing greater cache creativity. These downloads must adhere to all geocaching guidelines and include the following text above the link:	In the interest of file security, caches that require the installing or running of data and/or executables will likely not be published. The use of memory sticks and similar devices is not permitted.In the interest of file security, caches that require the installing or running of data and/or executables will likely not be published. The use of memory sticks and similar devices is not permitted.
2. Geocache Maintenance
1. Owner is responsible for geocache page upkeep. As the owner of your geocache listing, your responsibility includes quality control of all posts to the cache page. Delete any logs that appear to be bogus, counterfeit, off-topic or otherwise inappropriate.	1. Owner is responsible for geocache listing maintenance. As the owner of your cache listing, your responsibility includes quality control of all posts to the cache listing. Delete any logs that appear to be bogus, counterfeit, off-topic or otherwise inappropriate.
2. Owner is responsible for visits to the physical location. You are responsible for occasional visits to your cache to maintain proper working order, especially when someone reports a problem with the cache (missing, damaged, wet, etc.). You may temporarily disable your cache to let others know not to search for it until you have a chance to fix the problem. This feature is to allow you a reasonable amount of time – normally a few weeks – in which to check on your cache. If a cache is not being maintained, or has been temporarily disabled for an unreasonable length of time, we may archive the listing.The territory in which a geocacher is considered able to maintain caches responsibly will vary from person to person. A geocacher who has previously logged many geocaches within a wide range of their home may be considered able to maintain a geocache 200 miles (322 km) away. However, someone whose geocaching activities have primarily been within 25 miles (40 km) of home may not be. This determination is at the discretion of the cache reviewer.Because of the effort required to maintain a geocache, we ask that you place physical caches in your usual caching area and not while on a vacation or business trip. It is best when you live within a manageable distance from the cache placements to allow for return visits. Geocaches placed during travel may not be published unless you are able to demonstrate an acceptable maintenance plan, which must allow for a quick response to reported problems. An acceptable maintenance plan might include the username of a local geocacher who will handle maintenance issues in your absence. Alternatively you might train a local person to maintain the cache. Document your maintenance plan in a Note to Reviewer on your cache page. This will auto-delete on publication.	2. Owner is responsible for visits to the physical location. You are responsible for occasional visits to your cache to ensure it is in proper working order, especially when someone reports a problem with the cache (missing, damaged, wet, etc.), or posts a Needs Maintenance log. Temporarily disable your cache to let others know not to search for it until you have addressed the problem. You are permitted a reasonable amount of time – generally up to 4 weeks – in which to check on your cache. If a cache is not being maintained, or has been temporarily disabled for an unreasonable length of time, we may archive the listing.The region in which a cacher is considered able to maintain caches responsibly will vary from person to person. A cacher who has previously logged caches within a wide range of their home may be considered able to maintain a geocache 200 miles (322 km) away. However, someone whose geocaching activities have primarily been within 25 miles (40 km) of home may not be able to maintain a geocache this far from home. This factor is determined at the discretion of the cache reviewer or Groundspeak.3. Because of the effort required to maintain a geocache, please place physical caches in your usual caching area and not while traveling. Caches placed during travel will likely not be published unless you are able to provide an acceptable maintenance plan. This plan must allow for a quick response to reported problems, and might include the username of a local cacher who will handle maintenance issues in your absence. Alternatively you might train a local person to maintain the cache. Document your maintenance plan in a Note to Reviewer on your cache listing. This should include contact information of the maintainer. The note will auto-delete on publication.	Verfeinerter Hinweis das man den Cache „disablen“ soll wenn er nicht suchbar ist und eine Definierung des Zeitraumes in dem eine Instandsetzung erwartet wird (von „einigen Wochen“ zu „allgemein bis hin zu 4 Wochen“.) Ansonsten ein paar Wortspielerein und Umstellungen um Wiederholungen von Wörtern / Eigenwörtern im Text zu reduzieren.
3. Geocache Contents
1. Cache containers include a logsheet. For all physical caches, there must be a logbook, scroll or other type of log for geocachers to record their visit. 2. Contents are family-friendly. Explosives, fireworks, ammunition, lighters, knives (including pocket knives and multi-tools), drugs, alcohol and any illicit material should not be placed in a cache. Geocaching is a family activity and cache contents should be suitable for all ages. If someone other than you places an inappropriate item in a geocache that you own, the cache may be temporarily disabled. As the cache owner, you may be asked to remove the questionable item before it is enabled. 3. Contents are appropriate for outdoor life. Food items or scented items are always a bad idea. Animals have a better sense of smell than humans and have been known to chew containers open to get these items. Items that may melt in the heat, such as crayons or lip balm, or expand in the cold, such as liquids, should also be excluded from caches.	1. Cache containers include a logsheet or logbook. For all physical caches, there must be a logbook, scroll or other type of log for geocachers to record their visit. 2. Contents are family-friendly. Explosives, fireworks, ammunition, lighters, knives (including pocket knives and multi-tools), drugs, alcohol and any illicit material should not be placed in a cache. Geocaching is a family-friendly activity and cache contents should be suitable for all ages. If someone other than you places an inappropriate item in a cache that you own and this is reported, the cache may be temporarily disabled. As the cache owner, you may be asked to remove the questionable item before the cache listing is re-enabled. 3. Contents are appropriate for outdoor life. Food items or scented items are inappropriate and disallowed. Animals have a keen sense of smell and have been known to destroy containers to get to these items. Items that may melt in the heat, such as crayons or lip balm, or expand in the cold, such as liquids, should also be excluded from caches.	Der Logzettel darf nun auch offiziell ein LogBUCH sein. 🙂 Aus „Familienaktivität“ wurde eine „Familienfreundliche Aktivität“. Ergänzung das man von einem unpassenden Gegenstand auch Kenntnishaben muss (es leben die Anwälte und Bürokraten :-). Essen und ähnliche Dinge die Tiere anlocken sind nun nicht länger eine „schlechte Idee“ sondern „unpassend“ und „nicht erlaubt“.
4. Solicitation and Commercial Content
1. Geocaches do not solicit for any purpose. Geocaches perceived to be posted for religious, political, charitable or social agendas are not permitted. Geocaching is intended to be a light and enjoyable family-friendly hobby, not a platform for an agenda.2. Commercial caches are disallowed. As a general rule, reviewers will not publish cache pages that seem commercial. A commercial cache has one or more of the following characteristics: It requires the finder to go inside a business, interact with employees and/or purchase a product or service. It has overtones of advertising, marketing or promotion. It contains links to businesses, commercial advertisers, charities, political agendas or social agendas. It contains the logo of a business or organization, including non-profit organizations. The name of a business or commercial product is on the cache page. On very rare occasions, Groundspeak makes an exception for a commercial cache. Arrangements are made before placement. If your cache is commercial in any way, please contact Groundspeak for clarification about how to comply with cache listing guidelines. Geocache Permanence: Geocaches are placed for the long term. Geocachers will expect your cache to remain in place for a realistic and extended period of time. Therefore, caches that have the goal to move („traveling caches“), or temporary caches (caches hidden for less than 3 months or for events) will not be published.	1. Geocaches do not solicit for any purpose. Cache listings perceived to be posted for religious, political, charitable or social agendas are not permitted. Geocaching is intended to be an enjoyable, family-friendly hobby, not a platform for an agenda. Cache pages cannot require, and should not strongly encourage, the placement of new caches. This is considered an agenda and the listing will not be publishable. 2. Commercial caches are disallowed. Cache listings perceived as commercial will not be published. A commercial cache listing has one or more of the following characteristics: It has overtones of advertising, marketing or promotion. It suggests or requires that the finder to go inside a business, interact with employees and/or purchase a product or service. It contains links to businesses, commercial advertisers, charities, or political or social agendas. It contains the logo of a business or organization, including non-profit organizations. It contains the name of a business or commercial product. On very rare occasions, Groundspeak partners with an organization to publish a sponsored cache, or series of sponsored caches. This occurs solely at Groundspeak’s invitation and/or discretion. Geocache Permanence: Geocaches are placed for the long term. Cachers will expect your cache to remain in place for a realistic and extended period of time. Therefore, caches that have the goal to move (traveling caches), or temporary caches (caches hidden for less than 3 months or for one-time events) will not be published.	Caches, die Aufforderungen bzw. Anfoderung oder noch besser „Bedingung“ enthalten, dass man weitere Caches legen soll/muss werden  nicht mehr gepublished. Stichwort CovoLocos sage ich nur. Wird ja auch schon länger so umgesetzt.
6. Submitting a Cache Listing
1. Placing a large number of geocaches to be published on the same date requires advance planning. Submit all of the cache pages at least ten days in advance of the release date. Leave a Note to Reviewer on the cache pages requesting that the caches be published on the date specified. Reviewers will strive to accommodate reasonable requests. Caches placed in connection with an event must be left in place after the event. See „Geocache Permanence“ above.	1. Placing a large number of geocaches to be published on the same date requires advanced planning. Submit the cache listings at least ten days in advance of the requested release date. Post a Note to Reviewer on the cache listings requesting that the caches be published on the date specified. Reviewers will strive to accommodate reasonable requests. Caches placed in connection with an event must be left in place after the event. See „Geocache Permanence“ above.
2. Geocache must be in place before you enable the listing. Your cache should be in place and ready to hunt at the time your cache page is enabled online. If the cache is not ready, either disable your cache page so that it won’t be listed in the review queue or post a „Note to Reviewer“ explaining special circumstances such as awaiting permission from a land manager.	2. Geocache must be in place before you enable the listing. Your cache should be in place and ready to be found at the time your cache listing is enabled online. If the cache is not ready for seeking, disable your cache listing so that it won’t appear in the review queue and post a Reviewer Note explaining special circumstances, such as awaiting permission from a land manager.
3. Communicate with your reviewer. If you believe that special circumstances may affect whether or not your cache is published, add a private „Note to Reviewer.“ For example, an explanation such as, „The train tracks running through this park have been converted to a rails-to-trails path,“ would address reviewer concerns regarding a placement near railroad tracks.	3. Communicate with your reviewer. If you believe that special circumstances may affect whether or not your cache listing is published, post a Reviewer Note on the cache listing. This note will auto-delete on publication.	Entfernung des Beispiels und dafür Ergänzung durch die Erläuterung das die Reviewer-Note (PrePublish) automatisch im Rahmen des Publishes gelöscht/entfernt wird.
2.2. Additional Listing Guidelines that Apply to Specific Geocache Types
The Listing Guidelines apply to all geocache types. Additional requirements specific to certain cache types follow. To learn more about different geocache types, read the cache type definitions. If you are still unsure how to list your geocache, ask your reviewer.	The previous section of Listing Guidelines applies to all geocache types. The following guidelines apply to specific, non-traditional cache types. To learn more about different geocache types, read the cache type definitions. If you are still unsure how to list your geocache, ask your reviewer.NOTE: A traditional cache consists of at least a container and logbook and is located at the posted coordinates. For all caches types that have multiple stages, physical elements (tags, containers, or any physical additional to the location) must be added to the listing as Additional Waypoints.	Ein Cachebehälter muss nun laut Regeln ein Logbuch enthalten und soll an den angegeben Koordinaten zu finden sein.
1. Multi-Caches Provide the coordinates of all stages of the multi-cache by using the Additional Waypoints feature. The posted coordinates are for the first stage. If you don’t want the coordinates for the rest of the stages displayed to the public, mark them as „hidden.“ Only the cache owner and reviewers are permitted to view hidden coordinates.	1. Multi-Caches The coordinates posted at the top of the cache listing are for the first stage of a multi-cache. Provide the coordinates of all subsequent stages of the multi-cache by using the Additional Waypoints feature. If you do not want the coordinates for the additional stages displayed to the public, mark them as „hidden.“ Only the cache owner, reviewers and Groundspeak lackeys can view hidden coordinates.	Verfeinerung, dass die Listingkoordinate auch Stage1 sein muss. Wird ja auch schon gelebt.
2. Puzzle Caches The information needed to solve a puzzle cache (sometimes called a mystery cache) must be available to the general community and the puzzle should be solvable from the information provided on the cache page. For many caches of this type, the coordinates listed are not of the actual cache location but a general reference point, such as a nearby parking location. The posted coordinates should be no more than 1-2 miles (2-3 km) away from the true cache location. This allows the cache to show up on the appropriate vicinity searches and keeps the mileage of Trackables that pass through the cache reasonably accurate. Give as detailed information as possible to the reviewer when you submit the cache. Report the coordinates for the actual cache location and use the „Additional Waypoints“ feature to input any other relevant stages or clues. A challenge cache is a variation of a mystery cache that enhances the geocaching experience. It will typically require the cacher to meet a reasonable and positive Geocaching-, Waymarking- or Wherigo-related qualification. If you are thinking of creating such a cache, please review the additional specifications in our Knowledge Book article.	2. Mystery/Puzzle Caches The information needed to solve a this type cache must be available to the general community and the puzzle should be solvable from the information provided on the cache page. For many caches of this type, the coordinates listed are not of the actual cache location, but a general reference point, such as a nearby parking location. The posted coordinates should be no more than 1-2 miles (2-3 km) away from the true cache location. This allows the cache to show up on the appropriate vicinity searches and means that the mileage of Trackables passing through the cache will be reasonably accurate. Add the final set of coordinates and any additional waypoints to the cache listing before submitting for review. Before you submit the cache listing, post a Note to Reviewer with an explanation of how the puzzle is solved. This log will auto-delete on publication. A challenge cache is a variation of a puzzle cache that enhances the geocaching experience. It will typically require the cacher to meet a reasonable and positive Geocaching-, Waymarking- or Wherigo-related qualification. If you are thinking of creating such a cache, please review the additional specifications in our Knowledge Book article. Note: Cache owners creating a mystery/puzzle cache will select „Unknown“ from the cache types on the cache submission form.	Mysterys (bisher ein umgangsprachliches Wort für Unknown/Puzzle Caches) sind nun auch für Groundspeak offiziell Mysterys. Hier wurde ergänzt/verfeinert. Statt soviele Infos wie möglich ist dem Reviewer nun in einer Reviewer-Note vor dem Publish mitzuteilen wie das Rätsel zu lösen ist. (Böse Zungen / Neider? behaupten „Böses“, aber dafür haben Reviewer sicher keine Zeit und würden sich nur selbst den Spass nehmen.) Auch müssen nun explizit alle Wegpunkte und das Final eingetragen sein. (Stand bisher nicht so explizit genannt drin, aber wurde trotzdem -logischerweise- so gehandhabt, würde ich mal sagen.)
3. Letterbox Hybrid This cache type pays homage to an older form of scavenger hunt. Letterbox hybrids must contain a signature stamp that stays with the box. A letterbox hybrid may have a mystery or puzzle element, but cannot be designed to be found by only using clues. To seek a letterbox hybrid, you will not need your own personal stamp and letterboxing logbook.	3. Letterbox Hybrid This cache type pays homage to an older form of scavenger hunt. A Letterbox Hybrid must include significant GPS usage for at least part of the hunt. Letterbox-style clues may be used to guide seekers to the container, but only if the clues are accompanied by coordinates specific to the hide. The container for a Letterbox Hybrid must include a stamp, which stays with the geocache and may be used by letter-boxers to stamp their personal letter-boxing book. The cache can be logged without using the stamp.	Mystery/Puzzle-Element (darf vielleicht ein Letterbox vielleicht haben, wurde entfernt! Dafür wurde die Nutzung des GPS im Rahmen der Suche eines Letterboxcaches in den Vordergrund gehoben. Ansonsten wurde der Umgang mit Letterbox-Caches erläutert (wer stempelt was…).
4. Wherigo™ Caches The cartridges must reside at wherigo.com. If a cartridge is used as a requirement to find a geocache, it is considered a Wherigo cache, regardless of whether it also has a puzzle or multi-cache element. Cache saturation applies only to physical containers and not virtual elements. A device that can play Wherigo is not considered special equipment.	4. Wherigo™ Caches If a cartridge is used as a requirement or means to find a cache, it is considered a Wherigo cache, regardless of whether it also has a puzzle or multi-cache element. The cartridge must reside at Wherigo.com. Cache saturation applies only to physical containers and not virtual elements like those that make up a Wherigo cartridge. A device that can play Wherigo is not considered special equipment, so the special equipment attribute is not required for this cache type. Learn more about Wherigo™.	Ein paar Wortjongleure waren hier am Werk und stellten diese und jenes von A nach B. Das neue ist, das ein Wherigo-CACHE nun auch gemäß den Regeln im Sinne eines Caches auch eine richtige/physische/reale Cachebox beinhalten muss und nicht nur rein virtuell aufgebaut sein darf. Rein virtuele wären ja dann klassische Wherigo’s, wenn ich die Regeln richtig verstehe.
5. Event Caches Event caches are gatherings that are organized by geocachers and are open to other geocachers. They are submitted at least two weeks prior to the event so that potential attendees will have sufficient notice to make plans. Events are published no more than three months prior. Some events are published six months prior if an overnight stay is expected or if the event is designed to attract a regional or international group of geocachers.For geocaching events with several elements, multiple event listings may be submitted if each element stands on its own merits as an event, and meets the listing guidelines. After an event has passed, the listing is archived by the cache owner.An event cache should not be set up for the sole purpose of drawing together geocachers for an organized geocache search. Such group hunts are best organized using a discussion forum or an email distribution list. While a music concert, a garage sale, an organized sporting event, a ham radio field day or a town’s fireworks display might be of interest to a large percentage of geocachers, such events are not suitable for submission as event caches because the organizers and the primary attendees are not geocachers.	5. Event Caches Event caches are gatherings that are organized by geocachers and are open to other geocachers. They are submitted at least two weeks prior to the event so that potential attendees will have sufficient notice to make plans. Events are published no more than three months prior to the event date. Events may be published up to six months prior if an overnight stay is expected or if the event is designed to attract a regional or international group of cachers.For caching events with several elements, multiple event listings may be submitted if each element stands on its own merits as an event, and meets the listing guidelines. After an event has passed, the listing is archived by the cache owner.An event cache should not be set up for the sole purpose of drawing together geocachers for an organized geocache search. Such group hunts are best organized using a discussion forum or an email distribution list.If an event is already organized outside of the geocaching community, and/or it would take place regardless whether or not it is listed on Geocaching.com, it is likely not an event cache. Examples include music festivals, neighborhood or block parties, and organized sporting events.Cache owners can include basic information about the location on the cache page, even if it is a commercial location. Event caches, like other geocaches, cannot be published if they do not meet the commercial cache guideline.	Einige Beispiele wurden hier entfernt und anders erläutert.Event Ownern ist es nun auch gestattet Basis-Infos zur Location ins Listing zu schreiben, auch wenn es eine „kommerzielle“ Location ist. Je nach Sichtweise ist auch ein Lokal ja schon eine kommerzielle Location was ja nicht immer einfach war bei Eventlistings. Dies wurde nun etwas besser geregelt, so dass Locations nun auch einfacher beschrieben werden können. Dies war ja bisher immer ein „Drahtseilakt“ zwischen was ist Werbung und was ist Beschreibung der Location, das fing oft beim Lokalnamen schon an. Die „Commercial Cache Guidelines“ müssen aber trotzdem für das Event an sich eingehalten werden. Hierauf wird nochmals verwiesen.
6. Mega-Event Caches Mega-Events are large-scale, often annual events. In the first iteration of the event, it is listed as a regular Event Cache. Once an event of this type has documented attendance exceeding 500 people, it may be awarded Mega-Event status by Groundspeak. This occurs at Groundspeak’s discretion.If you are thinking of creating such a cache, be sure to do your research first. Groundspeak will decide each case on its own merits. A Mega-Event Cache may be published up to one year prior to the event date.	6. Mega-Event Caches Mega-Events are large-scale events and are often held annually. In the first iteration of the event, it is listed as a regular Event Cache. Once an event of this type has documented attendance exceeding 500 people, it may be awarded Mega-Event status by Groundspeak. This occurs at Groundspeak’s discretion and each case is decided on its own merits. A Mega-Event cache may be published up to one year prior to the event date.In return for publishing your Mega-Event cache, Groundspeak asks that pricing reflects the cost to host the event. Mega-Event caches, like other caches, cannot be published if they do not meet the commercial cache guideline. Further, our publication of the Mega-Event cache provides exposure to millions of geocachers on Geocaching.com and through our weekly newsletter. In consideration of the significant resources we devote to publicizing the Mega-Event, we require listing-service exclusivity on all Mega-Events. We reserve the right to refuse to publish or to retract publication of any Mega-Event that includes as a sponsor a competing geocache listing service.If you are thinking of organizing a Mega-Event, read this article for more in-depth information about requirements and considerations.	Hier hat Groundspeak einige Überlegungen & Hinweise zur Gestaltung eines Mega-Events eingfügt und scildert grob wie Groundspeak mit Mega-Events umgeht. Zzgl. eines Verweises auf einen weiterführenden Artikel.
7. CITO Event Caches Cache In Trash Out events are organized by geocachers for geocachers. Other organizations also sponsor similar activities. These events could easily be developed to meet our CITO guidelines by specifying a section of the larger event to be by geocachers for geocachers. To determine if your event qualifies as a CITO event, write it up and discuss it with your reviewer.	7. CITO Event Caches Cache In Trash Out events are gatherings of geocachers to improve parks and other cache-friendly places. Examples of CITO-appropriate activities include tree-planting, trail-building, removing invasive species and removing trash from a designated location. Other organizations sponsor similar activities. These external events could be adapted or developed to meet our cache submission guidelines. To be published on Geocaching.com external events will need to designate a portion or section of the larger event to be by geocachers for geocachers.	Auch hier hat Groundspeak weitere Erläuterungen eingefügt und weist nochmals daraufhin das ein CITO ein Event von Geocachern für Geocacher sein sollte bzw. der Großtei davon. Sprich nicht jedes „externe“ Event kann anerkannt werden. Ich finde die Formulierung etwas komisch und würde mich da lieber an das alt bewährte halten: Kontakt und Diskussion mit dem Reviewer.
8. EarthCaches™ Groundspeak partners with the Geological Society of America to administer this educational cache type in which cachers visit a unique and specific geoscience feature. Additional guidelines and rules are listed at EarthCache.org. We provide guidance for creating an EarthCache.	8. EarthCaches™ Groundspeak partners with the Geological Society of America to administer this educational cache type in which cachers visit a unique and specific geoscience feature. Additional guidelines and rules are listed at EarthCache.org. For additional guidance about EarthCache development, see our Knowledge Book articles.	Hier eigentlich als „nennenswerteste“ Änderung der Verweis auf die Knowledge Books.
9. Virtual and Webcam Caches have been grandfathered. Virtual caches and webcam caches are no longer available as options for new listings on Geocaching.com. Caches of these types that existed prior to November 2005, often referred to as grandfathered caches, are exceptions to this rule and may still be active. New listings similar to these cache types can be created as waymarks at waymarking.com. If you currently own a virtual or webcam cache, you must maintain the cache page and respond to inquiries. You must also check the physical location periodically and should return to the Geocaching.com web site at least once a month to show you are still active. Abandoned caches will likely be archived by Groundspeak. Grandfathered caches will likely not be unarchived.	9. Virtual and Webcam Caches have been grandfathered. Virtual caches and webcam caches are no longer available as options for new listings on Geocaching.com. Caches of these types that existed prior to November 2005, often referred to as grandfathered caches, are exceptions to this rule and may still be active. New listings similar to these cache types can be created as waymarks at Waymarking.com. If you currently own a virtual or webcam cache, you must maintain the cache listing and logs, respond to inquiries from cachers, and must check the physical location periodically. Abandoned caches will likely be archived by Groundspeak. Grandfathered caches will not be unarchived.	Daran das Webcam-Caches „Geschichte“ sind hat sich nichts geändert. Es kam ein Verweis auf waymarking.com hinzu. Erwähnenswert ist der Überprüfungszeitraum für den Owner, also in welchen Abständen er die reele Location vor Ort überprüfen muss. HIer fällt die zusätzliche Bedingung weg, dass sich der Owner einmal pro Monat auf der Geocaching-Seite zeigen sollte um zu signalisieren das er immer noch aktiv ist.
3. Logging Guidelines: to log a find online
3.1. Logging of All Physical Geocaches
Physical geocaches can be logged online as „Found“ once the physical log has been signed. An exception is Challenge Caches, which may only be logged online after the challenge requirements have been met and documented to the cache owner’s satisfaction.For physical caches all logging requirements beyond finding the geocache and signing the log are considered additional logging requirements (ALRs) and must be optional. Cache finders can choose whether or not to attempt or accomplish such tasks. This is a guideline change that applies to all logs written since April 4, 2009. If you own an existing cache with mandatory additional logging requirements, we request that you: Cease deleting logs based on ALRs. Review your own cache listing to see if the ALR can be made into a simple, optional task, or whether it must be removed altogether. Edit the text of your geocache listing and, if necessary, contact a reviewer to change the cache type.	Physical caches can be logged online as „Found“ once the physical log has been signed.An exception is Challenge Caches, which may only be logged online after the challenge tasks have been met and documented to the cache owner as per instructions on the published listing. Other than documenting a Challenge Cache, physical caches cannot require geocachers to contact anyone. For physical caches all logging requirements beyond finding the cache and signing the log are considered additional logging requirements (ALRs) and must be optional. Cache finders can choose whether or not to attempt or accomplish such tasks. This is a guideline change that applies to all logs written since April 4, 2009. If you own an existing cache with mandatory additional logging requirements, we request that you: Review your own cache listing to see if the ALR can be made into a simple, optional task, or whether it must be removed altogether. Edit the text of your cache listing and, if necessary, contact a reviewer to change the cache type. Cease deleting logs based on ALRs.	Hier wurden einige Erläuterungen umformuliert und einige Sätze umgestellt. Inhaltlich hat sich aber nichts Erwähnenswertes geändert.
3.2. Logging of Non-Physical Geocaches
1. EarthCache Logging Guidelines: As EarthCaches are meant to be educational, visitors will be asked to log an aspect of their visit that demonstrates they have learned something at the site. Unlike physical geocaches, where „additional logging requirements“ are considered optional, an EarthCache requires geocachers to comply with all instructions in order to log the cache online.	1. EarthCache™Logging Guidelines: EarthCaches are designed to be educational, so visitors will be asked to log an aspect of their visit that demonstrates they have learned something at the site. Unlike physical caches, where „additional logging requirements“ are optional, an EarthCache requires geocachers to comply with all instructions in order to log the cache online. See EarthCache.org for more comprehensive EarthCache logging guidelines, including that photographic logs must be optional for all EarthCaches.	Fotos sind nun nur noch optionale Bedingungen. Das Hauptaugenmerk liegt hier mehr auf lernen und restlichen Instruktionen, also vermutlich Dingen die man vor Ort ablesen und erfahren kann. Da die Formulierung irgendwie auch nicht so ganz das Gelbe vom Ei ist wird hier glücklicherweise auf die EarthCache-Seite für weitere Regelwerke verwiesen.
2. Virtual Cache Logging Guidelines: A geocacher must visit the location of the virtual cache site to log the cache online. Logging a virtual cache requires compliance with the requirements stated by the owner. This includes emailing the cache owner to provide the required answers and sometimes photographs. Neither answers to questions nor hints should be placed in the logs, even if encrypted.	2. Virtual Cache Logging Guidelines: A cacher must visit the location of the virtual cache site to log the cache online. Logging a virtual cache requires compliance with the requirements detailed on the cache listing. These logging requirements could include emailing the cache owner to provide the required answers or posting photographs. Neither answers to questions nor hints should be placed in the logs, even if encrypted.
3. Webcam Cache Logging Guidelines: Logging a webcam cache find requires compliance with the requirements stated by the owner. This includes providing the requested photograph, as stipulated by the cache owner on the cache page.	3. Webcam Cache Logging Guidelines: Webcam cache can only be logged with a photograph taken from the webcam associated with the cache page.	Hier braucht man nur noch das geforderte Foto der Webcam. Optionale Bedingungen (requirments stateted by the owner) sind rausgefallen.
–	4. Event Cache Logging Guidelines: An event cache can be logged online if the cacher has attended the event. Event cache owners can request that cachers sign a logbook, but this is optional and cannot be a requirement for logging an event cache.5. Mega-Event Logging Guidelines: Cachers attending a Mega-Event will likely be expected to sign a logbook, as this event classification depends on the attendance of 500+ people.	Neu hinzugekommen. Das man im reelen Eventlogbuch steht ist also keine zwingende Bedingung für einen Event-Online-Log. Punkte-Sammler werden sich freuen und haben nun eine Lösung wie man auf zwei oder Hochzeiten gleichzeitig tanzen kann. Ich hoffe das die tolle Einrichtung eines Logbuches bei Events trotzdem erhalten bleibt. Man sieht dort immer wieder viele tolle Papierlogbucheinträge und vorallem hin- und wieder orginelle Logbücher. Beim MegaEvent verhält sich das ganze etwas anders. Hier wird es eher erwartet das teilnehmede Cacher einen echten Logbucheintrag vornehmen, vorallem da die Mega-Event-Icons oft auch erst im Nachhinein vergeben werden (können), ist so ein Nachweis der Mindestteilnehmerzahl besser belegbar.

Zurück an den Artikelanfang