Happy New Year! Where did 2006 go? Oh, my. As we move into the eighth year of the new millennium, thoughts today turn to the local sports scene and things I’d like to see changed or rearranged, at least, for the new year.

In no particular order, then, let’s list the following resolutions for 2007.

Resolution No. 1: For all University of Maine coaches not involved in the men’s hockey program: Spend more time watching the UMaine men’s hockey coaches work. These guys are obviously doing something right. Competing for an NCAA national title is the goal of all programs in Orono, but hockey seems to get to that title game more often than all the other sports combined.

Resolution No. 2: While we’re in Orono, let’s resolve to give all UMaine coaching staff ultraviolet sensitive ID numbers – perhaps on the ankle – to avoid confusion when instant identification is required. Seem a little picky, does it? Guess again. At the salaries these folks are bringing in, no problems should result like the recent one involving women’s basketball coaches Ann McInerney and Kathy Karlsson.

Resolution No. 3: Let’s give serious consideration to take University of Maine sports teams to Aroostook County for a game or two each year. We seem to have the Augusta and the Portland areas pretty well covered. Let’s make our northern friends feel at home with their only Division I sports programs in the state.

Resolution No. 4: On to the high school scene – Let’s get a commitment out of broadcasters to do less referee bashing. I watched a Nokomis/Brewer girls high school hoop game the other night on WBGR TV that was the poorest display of official bashing by announcers I’ve witnessed in recent years. C’mon, fellas, lighten up a bit. Fine tune your own game before you light into others – geez.

Resolution No. 5: Let’s outlaw the headband as part of the high school basketball uniform.

Originally intended for keeping sweat out of players’ eyes, these things are now all the fashion rage among the high school hoopsters set. The refs have even altered their rules to deal with them: same color as the uniform, that type of thing.

If a player shaves his head, a sweatband is acceptable. Otherwise, looking like a pro is not acceptable. I blame coaches for this fashion trend simply because they endorse it by allowing it.

Resolution No. 6: Let’s shift gears to the professional sports scene, shall we?

Know what I’d like to see? Stiffer penalties for flagrant fouls, which lead to fights.

Old coaching friend Red Wilson checks in – he of Husson College fame – to discuss the Knicks/Nuggets mess the other night and lays blame to the cheap-shot foul which started the whole mess.

Thanks, coach.

Knicks boss Isaiah Thomas admittedly pointed to the lopsided score at the time as his reason for his team’s overreaction for their misdemeanors.

Give me a break. Players of all ages will look and act just about as bad as they’re allowed to. It’s time for the highest level of play to clean its act up.

Resolution No. 7: This one is personal: Lose a few pounds and learn Japanese.

Japanese, you’re asking?

Yes, that’s right.

When new Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka strikes out the side in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the 2007 World Series, I want to be able to say, “strike three! and we’re world champs again!” in his native tongue.

BDN columnist Ron Brown, a retired high school basketball coach, can be reached at bdnsports@bangordailynews.net