The Noman authorities had a highly original method of keeping the planet's population figures stable - the Sports. These were a series of aptitude tests, each one designed to test nerve, skill and physical qualities of the competitor. Proficiency was recognised by medals, failure by death, for each test was cunningly devised so as to make the slightest mistake fatal. And sixty million Nomans died each year in the Sports.

Earthman telepath Jeff Croner had been sent to Nome by the Universal Order Force. His four predecessors had lost their lives in the Sports, but only because the equipment was sabotaged. He was there who find out who had done it, and why.