1) What type of leadership is there? Is it one person or a "panel"? I would strongly suggest a group with some sort of "panel" or "co-chair". As with any organization members should have a say in the workings of the group. By having more than one person in charge keeps a set of checks and balances. Do they give reports on expenditures? Do only a "chosen few" have a say in the running of the organization? Who actually “owns the group”? The members or one individual? I would suggest group ownership. Does it have official legal status such as a non profit or business listing?2) Education: What type of educational seminars (if any) does the group put on or sponsor? I think a BDSM group should provide as many educational events as possible. A group that brings people in from other groups is a plus as it also provides a different view on a topic. There are many ways to "play" even in one particular fetish. Many have (for example) created their own style of flogging. Aside from the basic dos and don'ts who is to say that one style is superior? The more styles Y/you are exposed to the better Y/your O/own play will become.
3) Meetings: How often does the group meet? What are the purposes of the meetings? A group should gather at least once a month to openly discuss group business. Preferably at a time and place where limitations would not imposed. Meeting at a restraunt an hour before they close is a bad idea. Groups should also (hopefully) have "play time" or "socials" whenever possible. These are a great way for members to get together and socialize, share ideas on play, as well as practice.
4) Standing in the community: What is the group’s reputation both in the Lifestyle and the Vanilla world? Hopefully Y/you can ask around and find out what others have to say about a particular group. Is the group itself active in the Vanilla or local community? I understand that at times groups must be "underground" in order to survive. However when ever possible they should try to support causes in the Vanilla world as well. This helps bridge the gap between the two.
5) Relations with other groups: This closely ties in with #4 above. If there are other groups in the area do they get along? Exchange ideas? Or bad mouths others? This may clue Y/you in on the type of group they are. Do not confuse "bad mouthing" with good advice about the reputation of another group. If it is "bad mouthing" then the group doing it will usually be trying to suck Y/you into their group by lowering the other groups.
6) Meeting/Play Space: Does this group maintain their own meeting/play spaces? If so can you "tour" them prior to joining? This may enlighten Y/you a bit on the different types of play they do. Example: A lot of benches/crosses may indicate more flogging/whipping while alot of plastic sheets may indicate edge play/waxing. Be sure they have a "safe space" in case play become too intense and Y/you do not wish to view it.
7) Dungeon Masters: Find out about the Dungeon Masters (DM's). How well versed are they in the various types of play. Are they qualified in First Aid? If not is there some type of medical staff available. What are the limits of things they will and won't allow? Some groups may not allow full nudity, sexual intercourse, blood play, etc. What are the established "safe words" for the group?
8) The group itself: Get to know the group as much as possible prior to committing to join. Talk with members and find out their thoughts on the group as a whole. Of course most members will be biased towards their own group. But if Y/you listen well hopefully Y/you will notice the difference between honesty and propaganda. How long has the group been formed? Are there long time members? When a group has members that come and go it may indicate something is wrong.
There are many little things Y/you can watch out for as well. Just as on line there are many "wanna be's" in the real world as well. Some of them belong to groups. Look for a group that is interested in Y/you because they wish to further Y/your knowledge vs. the groups that view Y/you as another "play toy" (especially for subs!!) Sometimes it may appear that Y/you are welcomed into a group with open arms then a while later find they are not as interested in Y/you. Many groups have small little "cliques" within them, sub groups of close friends. This happens with any group, however a good group of people won't exclude you either. Take notice of any illegal or questionable activities that may draw or give the group a bad reputation. This reputation can and will easily carry over to Y/you and can cause problems.
All in all I would strongly suggest listening to Y/your instincts. If something tells Y/you a group is "bad" then by all mean get out or stay away. It is better to be safe then sorry. Do not forsake safety just to have a place or time to play. There are always other avenues to allow for Safe, Sane, and consensual play.