FSO uses a slightly modified version of the EBI overtime rules depending on age and experience level. See Match Format for time limits per division. The rules below reflect the standard EBI framework as adapted for FSO.
Starting Positions
Each competitor gets a shot at either:
- Back control with both leg hooks and a seat belt grip
- Spider web (armbar position); the competitor on offense chooses which option
Spider Web Setup
In spider web, the offensive competitor gets one deep hook on either arm. The other hand must be planted palm-down on the mat (can be next to the opponent's hip or leg). Competitors must be perpendicular, and the defender cannot be turning away or into the attacker.
Round Structure
The competitor who goes first on offense at the top of round one is Competitor A. The competitor on defense is Competitor B.
- Once there is an escape or submission at the top of round one, that half of the round ends. Competitor B now gets their shot; this is the bottom of round one.
- If A submits at the top, B must submit faster than A to win. Otherwise B loses.
- If A does not submit and B escapes, B gets their shot. If B submits, B wins. If B does not submit and A escapes, a second overtime round begins.
- If after 3 rounds it is still tied via escapes, all escape times are added up. The competitor with the quickest total escape time wins.
There is a 2-minute time limit per overtime round.
Live Positions in OT
The offensive competitor can move freely between the back, spider web, and the truck. The round stays live as long as:
- Back: seat belt or double underhooks are in place. Losing both leg hooks does not stop time as long as the seat belt or double underhooks remains.
- Spider web and truck are also live positions.
- The round ends in any other position unless a submission is caught "in transition."
Transition Examples (Still Live)
- Arm triangle from the back (puts attacker in side control/mount) — live until escape is complete or tap
- Triangle from spider web (attacker on back in guard) — live until full escape is achieved
- Omaplata from that triangle — live until defender pulls out of position
Not Allowed in OT
- Leg attacks from spider web or from the back
- Only leg attacks from the truck are legal in overtime
Kids Overtime
For safety, kids divisions are only allowed to start in the back control position in overtime. The spider web / armbar option is not permitted for kids.