The GFSA goldfish standards were developed in 1995 - 1996 by a team led by a group of dedicated goldfish hobbyists.  The intent of the group was to develop a set of standards that could be easily understood, and would contain line art drawings which represented the "ideal" goldfish for that variety.  Line art drawings were graciously provided by Merlin Cunliffe.

The first decision made was to divide goldfish into groups based on caudal (tail) and dorsal fin characteristics.  The grouping produced three variations as follows:

•  Single tail, dorsal fin
•  Double tail, dorsal fin
•  Double tail, no dorsal fin

Based on these groupings, goldfish could be classified into broad categories, and a simple point system developed.

The point system itself was the next item to be sorted out.  Originally, the point system was similar to that used by Great Britain and Philadelphia, whereby different characteristics would be given different point totals, depending on the variety in question.  This system proved too cumbersome, and the following system was finally adopted, with each general sub heading worth 20 points in total:

•  Finnage
•  Body Style
•  Coloration
•  Deportment and condition
• Special variety characteristics (e.g. presence of head growth or "wen)