The thing that we would file under "lunacy" is the way lunch was used as a disciplinary tool.  The younger grades were told that they absolutely had to go outside after eating, so that they could have fresh air, exercise, and a break from the academic day.  No exceptions:  out they went.

But suddenly, when an older child misbehaves, their lunchtime recess was revoked as a "consequence"  (i.e. punishment) for bad behaviour.   The more rambunctious kids, who arguably need the physical activity the most, were often the ones being denied their right to recess.

As parents, we went to the school and politely told the principal that the school couldn't have it both ways.  Our kids were not to be held in at recess, and the staff had to reluctantly agree. (We agreed to other solutions, such as calling us at home or assigning a written apology.)  If you see a situation that won't work for your child, you need to speak up and find a solution.  Chances are your kid isn't the only one.