diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 2556e45e..769e943d 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -2,3 +2,4 @@ node_modules/
 test-results/
 nexus/__pycache__/
 tests/__pycache__/
+.aider*
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index d50e88fb..a74eef5b 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -15,5 +15,15 @@ Removal is a first-class contribution. Baseline: 4,462 lines (2026-03-25). Goes
 3. **Automated test output** — paste it, or write a test (counts toward your 10)
 
 Applies to every contributor: human, Timmy, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, Kimi, Grok.
-Exception: initial dependency config files (requirements.txt, package.json).
 No other exceptions. Too big? Break it up.
+
+## Branch Protection Requirements
+
+All PRs must:
+- ✅ Target the `main` branch via a pull request
+- ✅ Have at least one approval (from @perplexity or repo-specific owners)
+- ✅ Pass CI checks (where applicable)
+- ✅ Not contain force-pushed commits
+- ✅ Not delete the `main` branch
+
+See [POLICY.md](POLICY.md) for full branch protection rules.