They may toss at sea or at the playing field (8)

I believe the answer is:

skippers

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'they' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for skippers that I've seen before include "Captains of ships or sports teams" , "Masters" , "taking PE?" , "Sea captains" , "Informal ship captains" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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