The first rule for getting the goods at sporting events is to be prepared. Your camera should stay at the ready, your gear and extra film should be handy and you should maintain a sense of anticipation. It also helps if you know a little about the sport you are shooting.
Action is the name of the game, and most of the general rules apply to all sports.
You can shoot sports with any camera you like. However an SLR with a long lens attached is ideal. Your lens should be 200mm or more. A zoom lens works great. If your camera has a motor drive, this is one of those situations where it will come in handy.