FYI, I heard of several teams sending in their money and rosters, the first possible week Cooperstown would take them, and they got spots without the certificates. It's the people who wait that are wait-listed or denied.
So, be an early worm, get that much of the parents money up front, and explain why, and poof you are likely to get a spot.
Our team has activated our grandfather certificate for Cooperstown and secured a guaranteed spot in July, 2016. Please contact us if your 12U team would like to attend as we plan to lend out our week in 2016. My email is: mygessler@hotmail.com or tidewaterwaves@gmail.com.