diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md
index 2a780c9..7ec0cde 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 ---
 name: Bug report
 about: Report a bug or unexpected behavior
-title: "[BUG]"
-labels: bug
+title: ''
+labels: bug, python
 assignees: ''
 
 ---
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/config.yml b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/config.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3ba13e0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/config.yml
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+blank_issues_enabled: false
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md
index 8cf6492..b07bd91 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 ---
 name: Feature request
 about: Propose a new feature or enhancement
-title: "[FEATURE]"
+title: ''
 labels: enhancement, python
 assignees: ''
 
@@ -15,17 +15,17 @@ What problem are you trying to solve? What's the pain point?
 
 Describe the expected behavior and functionality this feature will provide.
 
-## Suggested Approach
+## Suggested Approach _(optional)_
 
-Describe the technical implementation plan. Include architecture, key files/modules to modify, APIs, and any code patterns to follow.
+If known, describe the technical implementation plan. Include architecture, key files/modules to modify, APIs, and any code patterns to follow.
 
 ## Acceptance Criteria
 
 How will we know this feature is complete and working correctly?
 
-- [ ] Criterion 1
-- [ ] Criterion 2
-- [ ] Criterion 3
+- [ ] Feature behaves as described in the proposed solution
+- [ ] Tests are added or updated to cover the new functionality
+- [ ] No regressions in existing tests
 
 ## References
 
diff --git a/.github/copilot-instructions.md b/.github/copilot-instructions.md
index e8e74c3..d548408 100644
--- a/.github/copilot-instructions.md
+++ b/.github/copilot-instructions.md
@@ -168,6 +168,25 @@ Never suggest a release tag with a coach name not on this list.
   `schemas/player_schema.py` and `tools/` seed scripts
 - Production configurations
 
+### Creating Issues
+
+This project uses Spec-Driven Development (SDD): discuss in Plan mode first, create a GitHub Issue as the spec artifact, then implement. Always offer to draft an issue before writing code.
+
+**Feature request** (`enhancement` label):
+- **Problem**: the pain point being solved
+- **Proposed Solution**: expected behavior and functionality
+- **Suggested Approach** *(optional)*: implementation plan if known
+- **Acceptance Criteria**: at minimum — behaves as proposed, tests added/updated, no regressions
+- **References**: related issues, docs, or examples
+
+**Bug report** (`bug` label):
+- **Description**: clear summary of the bug
+- **Steps to Reproduce**: numbered, minimal steps
+- **Expected / Actual Behavior**: one section each
+- **Environment**: runtime versions + OS
+- **Additional Context**: logs, screenshots, stack traces
+- **Possible Solution** *(optional)*: suggested fix or workaround
+
 ### Key workflows
 
 **Add an endpoint**: Add Pydantic model in `models/` if the request/response
diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8413d12
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+## Summary
+
+Brief description of the changes and why they were made.
+
+## Type of Change
+
+- [ ] `feat` — new feature
+- [ ] `fix` — bug fix
+- [ ] `chore` — maintenance, tooling, or dependency update
+- [ ] `docs` — documentation only
+- [ ] `test` — adding or updating tests
+- [ ] `refactor` — code change that neither fixes a bug nor adds a feature
+- [ ] `ci` — CI/CD changes
+- [ ] `perf` — performance improvement
+
+## Checklist
+
+- [ ] `CHANGELOG.md` updated
+- [ ] All tests pass
+- [ ] No regressions introduced
+- [ ] Follows project coding guidelines