diff --git a/.github/BRANCH_PROTECTION.md b/.github/BRANCH_PROTECTION.md
index 10878f1e..17c39557 100644
--- a/.github/BRANCH_PROTECTION.md
+++ b/.github/BRANCH_PROTECTION.md
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ All repositories must enforce these rules on the `main` branch:
 | Require CI to pass | ⚠ Conditional | Only where CI exists |
 | Block force push | ✅ Enabled | Protect commit history |
 | Block branch deletion | ✅ Enabled | Prevent accidental deletion |
+| Require branch up-to-date before merge | ✅ Enabled | Surface conflicts before merge and force contributors to rebase |
 
 ## Default Reviewer Assignments