Who is responsible for tossing to decide which team will play first in a team game?

In a team game, it is the skips who are responsible for tossing the coin to decide which team will play first. The skips are the team leaders and strategic decision-makers, often representing their respective teams in key aspects of the game, including the initial setup. This responsibility reflects their role in guiding the team’s overall strategy and ensuring effective communication during play.

The other options do not pertain to the proper protocol for deciding which team plays first. Coaches are generally involved in formulating strategies and training players but do not participate in the toss. In singles matches, it is typically the opponents who decide the first play, but this format is different from a team game where the skips take charge. Lastly, players who are on the bench do not engage directly in this decision-making process, as they are not actively participating in the match at that moment. Thus, the correct choice underscores the role of the skips in maintaining the structure and rules of the game.