>>>they don't compete in tournaments or the like (yet). However, they
>>>-do- socialize, and they -do- spar, and on rare occasions they duel.
>>And they don't need the IDS to do any of those things.
>
>I don't know where you live, but around these parts sparring or
>dueling as they do will get you arrested if you're not part of some
>sanctioned group. Without the IDS, several members couldn't even own
>they weapons legally, let alone carry them - and forget about *using*
>them in any manner.

This didn't seem to slow pre-IDS Kate down any. At least one of her parents (Gryphon) knows Kate's been carrying a hidden sword around campus (she told him she was when she told of the fight with Saionji, assuming he didn't already know before that), and they didn't have a problem with it.

>And, ignoring the law, they'd be violating a number of institute
>rules. You can't hold a sword duel and then get off by saying it was
>just for funsies.

Who says they have to do it on campus or even in a public place?

btw - when did the "good guys" violating inconvenient rules or laws become a problem in the UF universe?

Regards,

Jeanne