Unfortunately not every athletic event is played under perfect light, or weather conditions. In a typical football season, I count on shooting in rainy or snowy conditions. Although not ideal, it presents an opportunity to make pictures that are hard to make when the weather is 70 and sunny. Thankfully, professional camera gear is weather sealed and there are a number of option to help keep the gear dry. I use ThinkTank rain covers which have proven to be worth every penny. The image below was made with a Nikon 400mm with a rain cover, although it was raining hard the cover kept the lense and body completely dry. Rain gear does add some bulkiness and it makes it a little more difficult to manage, but with a little practice it becomes manageable.
Bronco LB Vaughn Miller (58) tackles Chiefs RB Charcandrick West (35) in a rainy game at Arrowhead Stadium.