reviewer-protocol

name: reviewer-protocol description: Strict review lockout and deadlock escalation protocol domain: code-review confidence: high source: established for Squad.SDK.NET

Protocol

Review Assignment

1. The author requests review from the most relevant domain owner
2. The reviewer must respond within the current session
3. Reviews are either APPROVE or REJECT — no "looks good with changes"

Rejection Lockout

When a reviewer rejects:

1. The author must address ALL feedback
2. The same reviewer must re-review
3. No other agent can override the rejection
4. The author cannot self-approve after rejection

Deadlock Escalation

If author and reviewer disagree after 2 rounds:

1. Escalate to the Lead (Holden)
2. Lead makes the final decision
3. Decision is recorded in .squad/decisions.md
4. Both parties accept the Lead's decision

Anti-Patterns

• ❌ Merging after rejection without re-review
• ❌ Rubber-stamp approvals without reading the code
• ❌ Reviewer blocking without actionable feedback
• ❌ Escalating before 2 rounds of discussion