Bat Chokes

[BoxElderRefUmp]

My question concerns the use of bat chokes. Thos are those rubber pieces batters put on the bat handles and slide down to rest on the safety knob. It then tapers up to give the handle a flared look. My interpretation of the bat rule says the use of these would be considered an altered bat since these pieces didn't originally com with the bat. Has any other place in the country made a ruling on these? I umpire ASA only-SP & FP.