Brian Foley, Pope Francis’ boys hockey coach, suspended one year

Brian Foley, the head boys hockey coach at Pope Francis, has been handed a one-year suspension by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association for a rule violation, as first reported by MassLive.

Foley led Pope Francis, which is based in Springfield, to the MIAA Div. 1 championship last spring.

In a statement, the MIAA confirmed it received a formal allegation on Nov. 27 from a member school regarding Pope Francis.

"As with all formal allegations, a thorough investigation was completed and based on the information and statements gathered, it was determined that a violation of MIAA Handbook Rule 40: Out-of-Season-Coach-Athlete-Contact Limitations was committed by the Pope Francis boys' hockey head coach," the MIAA said in a statement. "As a result, on Dec. 11, all sanctions as outlined in the handbook under MIAA Handbook Rule 40 were implemented."

Rule 40 outlines various protocols for coaches dealing with athletes outside of the season.

Here is the penalty for violating Rule 40, per the handbook:

"These standards are designed to protect young people from unfair and inequitable scenarios. Any coach who violates, or does not prevent violations, of these standards will be rendered ineligible to participate or be present at any MIAA approved or sponsored interscholastic competition in that sport for one year from the date of determination of a rule violation. If a violation is inadvertent or relatively minor, this penalty may be reduced by the Board of Directors, or its designee."

MassLive reported that the school, in an email to students and family, announced it would appeal the decision. MassLive also reported that Daniel Fenton will serve as interim head coach.

Foley, who is also the founder and president of the Springfield Junior Thunderbirds club, declined to discuss the situation when contacted by New England Hockey Journal.