Need Help

I am in need of some help. I am very new to the world of SLR's etc. I have owned a point and shoot camera for a couple years and that is the extent of my experience. I am wanting to buy a SLR to take sports/action photos. I will be in the stands a large majority of the time so I will need a decent zoom. What do I want to look for and or buy? I am trying to stay under $1000 for a camera and lens. Thank you to anyone who responds. It seems every sales person in the store knows very little past the price of cameras.

You can easily stay within your budget with a XS digital SLR and a 75-300mm lens. The combination will cost around US $800. Other equipment combinations may be more capable but also will be far, far more expensive. (Those who recommend more won't come up with the money to pay for the more elaborate toys.)

You'll find good prices for this equipment - both lens and camera body - at some of the top-rated mail-order stores.

WHAT SPORTS? It does make a difference, you know?
The XS digital SLR and a 75-300mm lens should work out OK for daylight outdoor games, but you'll be at f/5.6 at 300mm.
How much will you shoot indoors? For that I'd suggest a used 20D-30D & the 85mm f/1.8.

If you could swing the extra $$ the Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera along with the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM would make a great combo for shooting sports from a distance for around roughly 1600$ But DC Fan is right in his post...I'm spending your money now on my wish list.