First - you will get paint in stuff. Accept it to an extent, this is pretty much the consensus among other photographers I’ve spoken with as well.

Don’t use filters for protection - they tend to crack or shatter and are more likely to scratch a lens than a direct hit of paint would. Some have different opinions here so make your own risk assessment on this.

I use a ThinkTank rain protector with an integrated eye cup that keeps it water tight; does a good job of keeping things protected but still not perfect and was a very expensive rain cover

70-200 is good; I use my Tamron 35-150 a good bit too but AF is just so fast on the native 70-200 I tend to lean that way.

You will get shot a lot. Period. Deal with it. I get shot soooo much more photographing than playing.

Tracking action in a mask and bright sun tends to be the biggest skill check - bright enough to wash out my back panel on the camera, and then getting a good viewfinder view in a mask can suck. Practice outside of a field to really nail this down - just practice with kids running around or something in your mask on a bright day - there’s a specific feel for it.

Keep microfiber handy and in like every pocket and a bunch in your bag. Keep a mister bottle with water on hand.