The GFSA guidelines were developed in 1988 by goldfish breeder, writer, and former GFSA Chairman, Bob Mertlich.  These guidelines were the first attempt by the GFSA to produce a definitive method for judging and selecting goldfish.

The guidelines were not known as "official" standards when they were developed, but were intended to be a way for goldfish enthusiasts and judges to evaluate fish against a norm.  The concept of using line drawings and breed characteristics in the standards developed in the mid-nineties, originated from this earlier work.

The GFSA, judges, and goldfish enthusiasts are indebted to this work produced by Bob, as a means of building on the future standards.