1988 GFSA Guidelines

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.