Scope Freeze & The Shield
The Shield protects the team's flow. Once execution starts, the "Open Suggestion Box" is closed.
The Rule: Scope Freeze does not mean "nothing can change." It means nothing changes invisibly.
How the Freeze Works
During a freeze period (typically Execution phases):
- New ideas are logged in a backlog, not injected into the sprint.
- Corridor conversations ("Can we just add X?") are not binding.
- If it's not in the Change Forum minutes, it doesn't exist.
The Change Forum
If a change must happen, it goes to the Change Forum. This is the only legitimate gate for mid-flight adjustment.
The Trade-Off Protocol:
- To add Feature X, you must drop Feature Y or extend Deadline Z.
- Zero-sum game. No "squeeze it in."
- The decision is recorded and owned by the Sponsor.
This protects the team from absorbing unowned decisions under pressure.