The head coach of the Pope Francis boys hockey team, Brian Foley, has been suspended for one year by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association due to a rules violation. The MIAA made the decision earlier this week, saying Foley violated Rule 40 of its handbook.

The Pope Francis hockey program, which includes players from throughout Hampshire County, beat Xaverian to win the MIAA Division 1 state championship last season.

On Nov. 27, the MIAA received a formal allegation against a member of the Cardinals’ program, which they then investigated at length before rendering their decision.

“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 to MassLive in a statement. “As a result, on December 11th, all sanctions as outlined in the handbook under MIAA Handbook Rule 40 were implemented.”

In the handbook, the MIAA declares the penalty for violating Rule 40 – if the violation is rendered accidental or minor – can be reduced by the Board of Directors or its designee. Pope Francis is currently in the process of appealing the suspension, according to an email sent out to the program’s students and parents that MassLive obtained.

“The school is in the process of appealing the decision and is working with the MIAA to ensure the process happens as quickly as possible,” the email stated. “It is important to the school, the hockey program and Coach Foley’s dedication and legacy to be sure the program continues to thrive during this temporary absence.”

Below is the punishment for violating Rule 40, as stated in the MIAA Handbook.

“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.”

With that, Foley is currently ineligible to coach until Dec. 11, 2024. Daniel Fenton, who coached Cathedral before his time as an assistant with Pope Francis, will serve as the Cardinals’ interim head coach. Fenton has coached hockey for 34 years and has plenty of experience to fill Foley’s absence.

Pope Francis has yet to play in a game this year, but its season opener is slated for Saturday as part of a two-day weekend tournament.