Good trick for exposure values

I see a lot of questions on here about AV/TV/M w/ exposure compensation, etc.

What I do is meter off the grass, granted if the lighting isn't changing. I generally overexpose about a 1/4 stop over proper exposure so that the faces are visible.

Take it or leave it, but it's worked for me so far. But doing this, you don't have to worry about black/white jerseys messing up our exposure.

I've had mixed results with this method,, especially with artificial turf, which seems to be more reflective and causes my camera to under-expose.

On a sunny day, with constant light conditions,,, I use Manual Mode and meter to the shirts of the team with the darkest color shirt,, then 'rescue' the whites in post,, this is especially important for my football team, which has 90% black kids,, gotta get those faces.

When it's cloudy/sunny changing conditions I use AV and compensate +2/3,, there's enough info in the RAW files to fix things. i realize this is lazy,, but I get so involved in the game I would forget to re-meter for the changing conditions in Manual mode.

When I have a cloudy day (my favorite) ,, I use AV and overexpose a full stop. Again,, this is a bit lazy,, but I do OK.

I don't shoot night games or deal with those weird half-sunny stadium conditions like you get in the NCAA & NFL,, so I guess I'm lucky in that respect.

I think Canon 1D cameras tend to underexpose a bit (except the 1-DX),,, maybe Nikons are different.